Key Takeaways
- Fans pushed back against an unverified post claiming Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was the highest-paid female athlete of 2026.
- Supporters noted that Coco Gauff earned $35.5 million in 2026, ranking fifth among tennis stars according to Forbes.
- Gauff recently withdrew from the Wuhan Open due to fatigue and is set to return to the court at the WTA Finals.
Debate erupts over reported female athlete earnings
Online discussions over the financial earnings of prominent women in sports intensified after social media account Fever Updates posted that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was the highest-paid female athlete of 2026. The assertion quickly gained traction online but faced immediate scrutiny from tennis enthusiasts.
Supporters of Coco Gauff contested the claim directly, labeling it inaccurate and highlighting the verified earnings of the World No. 5 tennis player. Fans pointed out that the American star commands an income exceeding $35 million.
Substantial financial footprint in 2026
According to figures from Forbes, Gauff registered $35.5 million in total earnings during 2026. The publication’s August ranking of top-earning tennis players placed the 22-year-old fifth overall, trailing only Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Serena Williams, and Aryna Sabalenka.
Gauff’s commercial footprint includes partnerships with more than twelve major brands, including an endorsement agreement finalized in August with smart ring manufacturer Oura.
Challenging season on court and upcoming plans
On the court, the two-time Grand Slam champion opened her 2026 campaign by advancing to the Australian Open quarterfinals. Following early departures at Indian Wells and Roland Garros, she reached the semifinal stage across three key tournaments: Wimbledon, the Canadian Open, and the US Open.
Her recent Asian swing proved turbulent at the China Open. During a contest against 16-year-old Chinese player Xinran Sun, a controversy arose when Gauff raised concerns to the chair umpire regarding distracting, flickering advertising displays. The official ruled that the contested point should be replayed, a decision that disrupted Sun’s rhythm and led to a straight-sets victory for Gauff. Following the match, Gauff faced unwarranted online harassment, including racial abuse.
Gauff subsequently exited the China Open after a defeat against Elise Mertens and chose not to defend her title at the Wuhan Open, pointing to physical fatigue. Her next scheduled competitive appearance is set for next month at the WTA Finals.
Cori Gauff in 2026
Ranked world no.5, Coco played her last match on the 7th of October when she surrendered to world no.14 Elise Mertens 6-3 6-3 in the 4th round in Beijing (draw).
At the moment, during this season Coco has a composed 47-15 record. Gauff has won 1 title in Cincinnati.
