In a thrilling finale at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Coco Gauff achieved a momentous victory over Zheng Qinwen, securing a groundbreaking $4.8 million prize — the largest purse ever awarded in women’s tennis. The 20-year-old American star took down two of the world’s highest-ranked players, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, on her journey to this historic triumph. However, what surprised Gauff most was the staggering prize awaiting her, a detail she was unaware of until the post-match press conference.
“I didn’t know, like I knew it was some money, but I didn’t know that much,” Gauff admitted with a laugh, clearly taken aback by the magnitude of her win.
A Hard-Fought Battle Against Qinwen in the Finals
The highly anticipated WTA Finals saw the dynamic Coco Gauff and China’s Zheng Qinwen compete in an intense three-set match. Qinwen, riding a wave of momentum, initially gained the upper hand by clinching the first set. In the second set, both players fought through multiple breaks, but Gauff ultimately pulled through, forcing a third-set decider.
The final set proved equally dramatic, stretching into a nail-biting tiebreaker. Gauff emerged victorious with a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) win, becoming the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004 to claim the Billie Jean King Trophy.
An Unplanned Celebration: “I Just Want to Lay on the Ground”
Reflecting on her dramatic reaction after the final point, Gauff confessed that the intensity of the match had her breaking a personal rule: saving a floor celebration only for Grand Slam titles.
“At the end of the match, when I, like, fell on the floor, I didn’t think I was going to do that,” she shared. “I kind of, like, made a promise to myself that I will only save that for Grand Slams. But honestly, to the way the match went, I was like, ‘I’m just tired. I just want to lay on the ground.’”
The raw emotion Gauff displayed on court captivated fans and showcased the dedication that brought her to this historic moment in her career.
The Surprise of a Lifetime: Gauff’s Reaction to Record-Breaking Earnings
As Gauff spoke to the media after her win, she was surprised to learn the exact amount of her prize. The $4.8 million purse surpassed the previous record of $4.42 million set by Ashleigh Barty in 2019. Gauff’s reaction was equal parts shock and delight, expressing gratitude while hinting that she isn’t one to splurge.
“Oh, it means a lot to me… I have bought a house… I’m going to a music festival next week. So, I don’t know, I’m not someone who likes to spend a lot of money to be honest. I don’t know what I’ll do with it. That’s a lot of money…”
With her win, Gauff cemented her status as one of the highest-earning female tennis players, a distinction that added to her excitement.
“I hope I’m like one of the highest-paid female tennis players this year or athletes, so that’ll be exciting,” she added. “Honestly, I wanted to win this for myself. I didn’t know that it was the biggest prize check on this tour.”
Rising to World No. 3 in 2024
This victory caps off an extraordinary season for Gauff, whose rise in the rankings now positions her as the World No. 3. She follows only Aryna Sabalenka, who retained the top spot, and Iga Swiatek at No. 2. Gauff’s climb solidifies her status as a fierce competitor and a future contender for the No. 1 ranking.
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