Coco Gauff’s start to the 2025 tennis season is nothing short of a financial and competitive masterstroke. The 20-year-old American sensation swapped her usual ASB Classic title defense in Auckland for the lucrative United Cup, and it’s safe to say the decision paid off—literally.
At the United Cup, Gauff not only went undefeated and led Team USA to its second title in three years, but she also walked away with a jaw-dropping $907,000 in prize money. For context, that’s more than 25 times the $35,250 she earned for winning last year’s Auckland tournament. The payout highlights a significant shift in Gauff’s early-season priorities, and it underscores the financial allure of marquee events like the United Cup.
A Winning Formula: Teaming Up with Taylor Fritz
Gauff partnered with Taylor Fritz, and despite a slip-up from Fritz in one of his singles matches, the duo emerged victorious overall. Gauff was unstoppable throughout the week, anchoring Team USA with her flawless performances. While the confidence boost from her stellar play was invaluable, the financial rewards were staggering.
Just for showing up at the United Cup, Gauff pocketed a $230,000 participation fee—a sum that dwarfs the earnings of even some WTA tournament champions. Compare that to this year’s ASB Classic champion, who earned $36,300, and it’s clear why Gauff opted for the higher-stakes event.
The Richest Paydays of the 2025 Season
Gauff’s $907,000 payday makes her the prize money leader for the season so far, surpassing even her teammate Fritz, who earned $864,200 at the event. Other standout earners at the United Cup included Iga Swiatek ($600,900) and Elena Rybakina ($421,350), demonstrating how the mixed-gender competition rewards players handsomely—even those who don’t take home the trophy.
For comparison:
- Gauff earned $3 million for her 2023 US Open triumph.
- This year’s Australian Open champion will earn $2.18 million.
- Aryna Sabalenka, who won the Brisbane International, took home just $192,475.
These numbers highlight the United Cup’s lucrative nature, with even mid-level performances bringing in more money than some top-tier WTA tournament wins.
What’s Next for Gauff?
Fresh off her United Cup triumph, Gauff heads into the Australian Open as a top contender for her second Grand Slam title. While Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, enters as the favorite, Gauff’s newfound momentum and confidence make her a formidable threat.
If she clinches the title in Melbourne, it will add another $2.18 million to her growing bank account—and further solidify her status as one of tennis’s brightest stars both on and off the court.
The Bigger Picture
The United Cup’s massive payouts have not only reshaped Gauff’s 2025 season but also underscored a broader trend in tennis: top players are gravitating toward high-reward, high-visibility events. For Gauff, this strategic move signals maturity in her career planning, prioritizing both financial growth and top-tier competition.
As the Australian Open looms, all eyes will be on Coco Gauff to see if she can keep her undefeated streak alive—and perhaps add another chapter to her already impressive 2025 earnings.
