Coco Gauff made history at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, not only by winning her first-ever WTA Finals title but also by claiming a record-breaking $4.805 million in prize money. This victory marks the largest payout in the history of women’s tennis, surpassing the previous record of $4.42 million set by Ashleigh Barty at the 2019 WTA Finals in Shenzhen, China.
The final match, held on Saturday, was an exhilarating display of resilience as Gauff triumphed over China’s Zheng Qinwen in a dramatic three-set battle. Zheng, who had been aiming to become the first Asian player to win the prestigious title, took the first set 6-3, and was ahead 5-3 in the decider. However, Gauff refused to back down, showing the mental toughness that has become a hallmark of her game. She fought back to win the third set 7-6, ultimately taking the match in a nail-biting tiebreaker.
This victory in Riyadh marks Gauff’s third title of the 2024 season and adds to an already stellar year for the 20-year-old American. With her WTA Finals title, Gauff has now accumulated a total of $9.35 million in prize money for 2024, solidifying her position as one of the highest earners in women’s sports. The win also marks another milestone in her remarkable rise in the sport, as she continues to solidify her place among the elite in women’s tennis.
Zheng, despite falling short in the final, had a career-best performance, earning $2.305 million as the runner-up. Her impressive run to the final made her a standout story in the tournament, and her performance suggested that the future of women’s tennis in Asia is in good hands.
For Gauff, the win in Riyadh not only cements her status as one of the game’s brightest stars but also highlights the evolving landscape of women’s tennis, where the financial stakes are higher than ever before. The record payout at this year’s WTA Finals underscores the growing global appeal of women’s sports and the increasing investment in tennis, particularly in regions like the Middle East.
