United States Coco Gauff: Tennis's Youngest Superstar
Cori "Coco" Gauff didn't wait for an invitation. She kicked the door open. At 15 years old, she beat Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon 2019 β and the tennis world has been watching ever since.
Now 22, standing at 175cm (5'9"), the right-hander from Delray Beach, Florida, has become one of the most marketable and talented players in women's tennis.
The Rise: From Junior Prodigy to Grand Slam Champion
Gauff's trajectory reads like fiction. She became the youngest player to qualify for Wimbledon in the Open Era, then beat a five-time Wimbledon champion in her first match on Centre Court. The crowd was stunned. Venus was gracious. And Coco was just getting started.
By 2023, she'd won the US Open, becoming the youngest American woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Serena Williams in 1999. That's the kind of company she keeps.
Height and Physical Game
At 175cm, Gauff isn't the tallest player on tour, but her wingspan and athleticism more than compensate. She covers the court like a sprinter β because she literally was one. Before committing fully to tennis, she ran track and her speed translates directly to her defensive game.
Her serve has developed from a liability into a genuine weapon, regularly clocking above 180 km/h. Combined with a lefty-style forehand whip (despite being right-handed), she generates angles that pull opponents off the court.
Career Stats at a Glance
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 22 years old |
| Height | 175cm (5'9") |
| Nationality | American |
| Hand | Right-handed |
| Career Titles | 9 WTA titles |
| Grand Slams | 1 (US Open 2023) |
| Win-Loss | 200-85 |
| Prize Money | $15,000,000+ |
| Highest Ranking | No. 2 |
Net Worth and Endorsements
Gauff's earnings go far beyond prize money. Her endorsement portfolio reads like a Fortune 500 wishlist: New Balance (clothing and shoes), Head (rackets), Barilla (pasta β yes, really), and American Express. Estimates put her annual endorsement income between $15-20 million, making her one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world.
Her total net worth is estimated at $30-35 million as of 2026.
Playing Style
Gauff is a counterpuncher who's learned to attack. In her early career, she relied on speed and defense β running down every ball, waiting for errors. As she's matured, she's added aggression to her game. Her forehand now has genuine pace, her net game has improved dramatically, and her serve β once her weakest shot β has become a reliable point-starter.
What sets her apart is composure. In big moments, when other young players tighten up, Gauff elevates. The US Open final was proof: she played her best tennis when it mattered most.
Off the Court
Gauff uses her platform. She's spoken about racial justice, mental health in sports, and the pressures of growing up under public scrutiny. She's thoughtful in interviews, genuine on social media, and has built a fan base that extends well beyond tennis.
She's also a college student β attending online classes at the University of Florida while competing on tour.
What's Next
At 22, Gauff has already achieved what most players spend entire careers chasing. But she's made it clear: one Grand Slam isn't enough. With her physical development still ongoing and her tactical game improving every season, the peak years haven't arrived yet.
The question isn't whether Coco Gauff will win more majors. It's how many.