Tennis superstar and recent WTA Finals champion Coco Gauff had a great 2024 season despite dealing with difficulties throughout the year.
Gauff’s ability to overcome the challenges she has faced in her career are part of the reason why she’s the highest-paid female athlete of 2024, according to Sportico. The Atlanta, Georgia native earned a total of $430 million in prize money and endorsements.
This impressive figure placed her ahead of tennis stars Iga Swiatek ($21.4 million) and Aryna Sabalenka ($17.7 million). A major part of Gauff’s financial success came from her record-breaking win in Riyadh, where she earned a career-high prize of $4.81 million, the largest prize in the history of women’s tennis.
Coco Gauff trains hard even during her off-season
Coco Gauff shared a video of her intense workout to strengthen her core as she gets help from French assistant Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach Stéphane Dal Soglio. The trainer works with athletes of all levels (amateur to professional) and different sports for more than 15 years. He likes to work with any athlete who has specific goals and that is ready to work hard to succeed.
“Another season in the books, but time doesn’t stop! I’m ready to start gearing up for a strong preseason.” wrote Gauff a week ago, as she let the world know that she’s not gonna stop being at her very best anytime soon.
Gauff’s grandparents become her source of inspiration in her struggle
Coco Gauff has consistently credited her grandparents, particularly her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, as a profound source of inspiration. Beyond their unwavering support, they embody resilience and determination, values that have deeply influenced Gauff’s personal and professional journey.
Yvonne Lee Odom made history in 1961 as the first black student to integrate Seacrest High School in Florida. Her courage in the face of racial adversity and her dedication to fostering understanding between diverse communities left a lasting legacy.
Odom went on to serve as a teacher for 45 years, further shaping the educational landscape of her community. All of this has impacted Coco Gauff greatly, as evidenced when she often reflects on these achievements, emphasizing how her grandmother’s ability to face challenges with grace and kindness has shaped her own approach to life and tennis.
Gauff has maintained a strong connection to her grandparents, which extends beyond admiration. Recently, Odom received a community award celebrating her contributions to equity and education, a moment Gauff described as profoundly moving.
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