"That's a lot of money" - Coco Gauff bewildered after finding out about historic $4.8 million bounty from WTA Finals win for the first time
Coco Gauff defeated Zheng Qinwen to win the 2024 WTA Finals and earn the biggest prize money in the history of women's tennis. The American bagged over $4.8 million but acknowledged being unaware of the exact amount.
Gauff got the better of World No. 2 Iga Swiatek and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on her way to the final of the year-end championships. The third seed came up against high-flying Qinwen in the final on Saturday, November 9.
Riyadh witnessed an enthralling championship match with the Chinese player earning an all-important break to win the first set. The competitors traded multiple breaks in the second set and Gauff's third consecutive break helped her force the decider.
The third set, and the championship, was decided by a tiebreaker. 20-year-old Gauff became the youngest WTA Finals champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004 after her 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) victory over Qinwen.
During the post-match press conference, Gauff was informed that she won $4.8 million, which is a record-breaking amount on the WTA Tour. The previous record was $4.42 million earned by Ashleigh Barty upon winning the 2019 WTA Finals. Gauff expressed surprise upon knowing the exact amount her triumph earned.
"I didn't know, like I knew it was some money, but I didn't know that much," Coco Gauff said.
When asked how she would treat herself, Gauff mentioned that she is already a homeowner and has plans to attend a music festival in the coming week.
"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...," Gauff said.
"Oh gosh, I hope I'm like one of the highest paid female tennis players this year or athletes so that'll be exciting. Honestly, I wanted to win this for myself I didn't know that it was the biggest prize check on this tour, I didn't know anything about that. I knew there was money, but I try not to never play for this, but that's cool," she added.
Coco Gauff opens up about her celebration upon defeating Zheng Qinwen to win the WTA Finals 2024
As Coco Gauff secured the winning points in a thrilling 3-hour and four-minute final to claim the Billie Jean King Trophy, she collapsed to the ground in relief and jubilation.
At her post-match press conference, Gauff explained that she planned on keeping this celebration only for Grand Slams but she could not help herself.
"At the end of the match, when I, like, fell on the floor, I didn't think I was going to do that. 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,'" Coco Gauff said.
Gauff's impressive showing in Riyadh helped her attain the year-end World No. 3 rank with Aryna Sabalenka capturing the top spot and Iga Swiatek in second.