Coco Gauff has become one of the most prominent voices in tennis, addressing the pay gap between men and women on the ATP and WTA Tours. The 21‑year‑old American, fresh off her second Grand Slam title at Roland‑Garros, urged organizers to ensure equal pay at combined tournaments. “There’s no reason we’re playing at the same venue, same two‑out‑of‑three sets, and yet the pay gap is that large… sometimes female players like me, Aryna, Iga, or Jess are selling out stadiums more than some of the guys getting paid way more,” she said.
Rising influence on and off the court
Gauff recently appeared in the Forbes 30 Under 30 ranking, recognized for her impact in both sport and fashion. She is currently the highest‑paid female athlete in the world, with nearly 30 million dollars in career prize money and an additional 25 million earned off the court in 2025 alone. Her investments include ventures such as the women’s basketball league Unrivaled, reflecting her growing influence beyond tennis.
Confidence in her future
Despite her success, Gauff insists she has not yet reached her full potential. “On court, I feel so far away from my potential,” she explained. “If you asked me that before, I used to think, ‘Oh, it’s happening now, I got to capitalize on the moment.’ But then I look at the tour and I see girls having their best results at 25 or 26. So, in four years, I feel like I would be where I would like to be.”
Family legacy and activism
Gauff credits her grandmother, who played a role in integrating her local high school, for inspiring her courage to speak out on systemic issues. “Compared to the sacrifice she went through, me making a post or talking in an interview is nothing,”
she said. This family history has shaped her authenticity and commitment to social change.Building a lasting impact
For Gauff, success is measured not only by trophies but also by influence. “On court, I want to be known as mentally strong. Off court, I want to be remembered as a good human who impacted people’s lives,” she stated. Her advocacy for equal pay underscores her determination to leave a mark on the sport and society.
Serena Williams’ mentorship
Serena Williams remains a defining figure in Gauff’s journey. Watching Serena dominate the sport gave her belief in what was possible. “Seeing someone that looked like me thriving in a sport like tennis… that representation meant a lot to me,” Gauff said. Beyond inspiration, Williams has offered direct mentorship, reminding her to stay grounded. “She told me there are ups and downs in this journey… focus on my path and my expectations of myself, not the expectations placed by others,” Gauff recalled.
Cori Gauff in 2025
Currently ranked no.3, Gauff played her last match on the 6th of November when she was defeated by world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(5) 6-2 in the round robin in Riyadh (draw).
This year Gauff has managed to achieve a composed 48-16 record. Coco conquered 3 titles in 2025 in Australia, French Open and Wuhan. Gauff got to the final in Madrid and Rome.