Coco Gauff made tennis history with a record-breaking $4.805 million prize for her victory at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 20-year-old American champion defeated China’s Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling comeback (3-6, 6-4, 7-6) to secure the title. This win pushes Gauff’s 2024 season earnings to $9.35 million and marks her as a dominant force in women’s tennis.
A Record-Breaking WTA Finals Win for Coco Gauff
The WTA Finals held at King Saud University Indoor Arena saw Gauff rally from a 5-3 deficit in the third set, securing victory in a tense tiebreaker. Her $4.805 million prize is the largest in women’s tennis history, surpassing the $4.42 million Ashleigh Barty earned in 2019. This achievement underscores Gauff’s rapid ascent in the tennis world and her growing influence on the sport.
Gauff Enjoys First Experience Competing in Saudi Arabia
In her post-match interview, Gauff shared positive feedback about her first trip to Saudi Arabia. “It’s my first time here, and I’ve had a great time—much more fun than I thought it was going to be,” she said. The WTA Finals initially faced low attendance, but the championship match sold out, signaling rising interest in professional tennis in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Investment in Tennis and Sports
Saudi Arabia’s influence on professional tennis has grown rapidly. The Saudi Tennis Federation committed a record $15.25 million to the WTA Finals, matching the men’s ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, in prize value. In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) became the first official sponsor of the WTA Rankings, marking a major milestone in the sport’s expansion.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sports extends beyond the WTA Finals. Recent events like the high-profile Six Kings Slam, an exhibition featuring top male tennis players, highlight the country’s dedication to supporting tennis and other international sports.
Gauff and Zheng: Rising Tennis Stars on a Global Stage
With this victory, Coco Gauff solidifies her place as a global tennis icon. The world’s highest-paid female athlete, Gauff recently signed high-profile endorsements with L’Oreal’s Carol’s Daughter brand and Naked Juice, reflecting her influence beyond the court. Meanwhile, runner-up Zheng Qinwen claimed $2.305 million, furthering her rise as a tennis star in China, where she is seen as an inspiration following the path of Li Na.
Saudi Arabia and the Future of Women’s Tennis
The record-breaking WTA Finals prize in Riyadh highlights a new era for women’s tennis. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increasing WTA prize funds through 2026 is helping reshape the sport, providing unprecedented opportunities for female athletes and promoting the global growth of tennis.