Coco Gauff is one of the few current-generation players who are not afraid to raise their voices against issues plaguing both the sport they love and society in general. From standing against racism to encouraging people to vote, Gauff has made her name in spheres outside of professional tennis at just 19. Now, she has praised the progress made in reducing the pay disparity between male and female players in tennis but believes more still needs to be done for true equality. In a recent interview, the 19-year-old reflected on the improvements over recent years and outlined her hopes for the future.

Speaking to Reuters, Gauff acknowledged that “It’s definitely come a long way, but there is still work to be done to close that gap.” The Florida native pointed to the increases in prize money at Grand Slams as an example, with this year’s US Open champion receiving $3 million. However, she believes “equal pay for men and women would allow more girls to have the opportunity to play professional tennis.”

Coco Gauff comments on the narrowing pay gap in tennis

At the 2022 US Open, total prize money across the men’s and women’s events rose to a record $60 million, with the women’s and men’s singles champions both receiving a 37.5% increase from 2021. This was after Wimbledon announced a near two-fold jump in prize money for the women’s competition earlier this year.

Considering such developments, Coco Gauff was asked if she thinks female athletes will be paid the same amount in sponsorships as the men in the future: “Do you think this season has helped you get more sponsorships? Sooner or later, do you think women athletes are going to get better incomes from sponsorships than men? Or at least the same amount?”. 

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Gauff replied, “From a sponsorship standpoint, we’re getting some good money compared to the men. At least in my position. I wouldn’t say it’s more so like a contract thing. Yes, there’s still a gender gap, but I feel like now a lot of the brands want to get more women & want to be more diverse. Especially with me being a black woman. One of the reasons New Balance was keen to work with me from a young age was because they wanted to be more diverse… People think it’s a big gap, but I don’t think so. At least in tennis when it comes to sponsorships & contracts & all of that. Obviously the prize money is something we can work on. Winning US Open, obviously if you win a Grand Slam you get more brands reaching out to you.”

She continued saying, “These commitments take a lot. People think we just post a photo on the internet with that brand. People don’t realize it’s like an 8 hour or 10 hour day. Lots of times you have commitments or have to do an event. For me it’s just been about trying to still capitalize on the moment, but also protecting my peace & my mental health & still playing the game I love. I think my team has done a great job helping me with that. I’d say the growth in women’s sports, a lot of brands are gonna reach out to more women athletes because they see how much we can & how much they can monetize from this. I know there are some people online who act like women’s sports isn’t a thing. But people really enjoy seeing us play. I think as much as we can market ourselves, and market not just tennis, but other sports in general, it’d be better for everyone. Not just in sports. Hopefully it can transcend into other places of work & in business & other things like that. So I’m grateful to be in that position. Especially as a black woman, doing this. I’m thankful for all the people who paved the way so I can be in this position.” 

Gauff is ready to support campaigns for equal pay

The world number 3 also voiced her backing for campaigns pushing for equal pay, such as the ones organized by the American tennis legend Billie Jean King during her playing days. “Billie Jean has done so much for women in tennis and sport as a whole. If we can achieve equal pay it will really help the next generation,” Gauff stated.

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Her comments came ahead of the WTA Finals, where total prize money of $5 million is on offer for the singles and doubles competitions. While still short of the ATP’s $14.75 million Finals pot, it represents another milestone towards Gauff’s goal of achieving true equality between the tours.

In conclusion, while pay parity is still to be achieved, Coco Gauff is heartened by the progress being made. She hopes that through the continued efforts of players like Billie Jean King and organizations campaigning for change, one day there will be no difference in financial rewards between male and female tennis champions at the sport’s biggest events.

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