LONDON (AP) — Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation, is making strides not only in her athletic career but also in the world of business and social advocacy. In a recent interview, she reflected on the challenges and opportunities that come with balancing her life as a young, successful athlete with her ambitions beyond the tennis court. Gauff, who holds Grand Slam titles and is the world No. 2, described her desire to expand her interests outside of tennis, acknowledging how unusual it feels to refer to herself as a "star."
Despite her youth, Gauff's accomplishments on the court are impressive, and she has quickly become a significant figure in sports. Currently heading into Wimbledon, Gauff's earnings have transcended her performance on the court, making her the highest-paid female athlete in any sport, with over $30 million in earnings last year. Most of this income comes from lucrative endorsement deals with prominent brands including UPS, New Balance, Rolex, and Barilla.
In addition to her athletic prowess, Gauff is also known for her willingness to engage with societal issues and her strong presence on social media, which allows her to connect effectively with a younger audience. Recently, Gauff took a significant step in her post-tennis career by launching her own management firm. She expresses a desire to build a business acumen early on, stating that she wants to prepare for life after tennis rather than playing catch-up at the end of her athletic career.
"It's definitely something that I want to start to step up for post-career," Gauff explained. She recognizes the importance of expanding her horizons outside of tennis, which she has been passionate about since childhood. As she approaches this new chapter, she admits that navigating the business landscape does not come as naturally to her as playing tennis, but she is committed to learning and growing in this area.
In collaboration with UPS, Gauff has embarked on a campaign focused on mentoring small-business owners. The program pairs her with business coach Emma Grede, who has worked with notable names like Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian. This partnership aims to provide mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs while allowing Gauff to learn valuable insights into the business world. Betsy Wilson, VP of digital marketing at UPS, noted that Gauff's relevance in social media and youth culture helps the company connect effectively with younger generations of business owners.
Through this initiative, Gauff not only supports entrepreneurs but also gains knowledge and insights that will benefit her in her future endeavors. "It's really cool to learn from someone like her," she remarked about Grede, highlighting the value of their interactions. Gauff is enthusiastic about the mentorship opportunity and is eager to apply what she learns to her future business ventures.
As Gauff continues to excel in both tennis and her emerging business career, her proactive approach to life after sports sets a strong example for her peers and aspiring athletes. Her commitment to expanding her impact beyond the tennis court shows a determination to succeed in diverse areas while still making a mark in the sports world.
Throughout her journey, Gauff exemplifies the essence of a modern-day athlete, blending sports with entrepreneurship and social influence. Her story is one of ambition, growth, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the court, making her a role model for younger generations.
