Coco Gauff releases emotional statement after huge payday at WTA Finals

Coco Gauff crashed out of the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh after suffering defeat in two of her three round robin encounters, including a crucial straight-sets loss to Aryna Sabalenka in her final match. Sabalenka eventually secured the runner-up spot behind Elena Rybakina, who claimed the eye-watering £3.9million winner's cheque.

Gauff pocketed £265,000 for her solitary triumph over Jasmine Paolini. The 2025 French Open champion took to Instagram following her elimination to confirm her tennis season, packed with drama and surprises, had come to an end. "My 2025 season is officially over and it was a longggg one," she posted, alongside a photograph from Roland-Garros.

"I played my first match of this season on December 29th, 2024, and my last match of the season on November 6th, 2025.

"It was filled with some disappointments but mainly positives, and when I look back at it, I feel proud of all the things I accomplished," she continued.

"I love this sport and I am grateful for all of its ups and downs. Very few feelings come close to the euphoria you feel when you are living in a dream come true or a prayer come to fruition, and I am eternally grateful to God for these experiences and the opportunity to feel this feeling constantly.

"Thank you guys for your love and support, thank you to my family, my friends, my team, and God. Time for a little rest and then back to the grind....see you guys back on court next year, we upppp."

Gauff, the 2024 champion, had a rollercoaster 2025 season. She secured a quarter-final spot in the Australian Open, but also suffered a series of early-season first-round defeats.

However, she bounced back with a resounding victory over Sabalenka in the French Open final. Despite this, Gauff was knocked out in the first round at Wimbledon and the fourth round at the US Open.

The young American also made it to the finals at events in Madrid and Italy, and won the Wuhan tournament. After her defeat in Riyadh, former men's world No. 1 Jimmy Connors conceded that Gauff needs to improve her serve ahead of the 2026 Australian Open.

This article first appeared on Daily Express US.