Coco Gauff is a trailblazer both on and off the court. That is a fact that very few would dispute.
After all, at just 21 years old, she has already forged the foundations of a stunning tennis career, with two Grand Slam titles under her belt, alongside a WTA Finals triumph too.
She is just two more major titles away from effectively completing the top level of tennis, and for that, she deserves so much praise.
Alas, Coco Gauff has been keen to prove that her talents are not solely linked to the tennis court.
Coco Gauff 2025 Season Quiz
Fortunately, the American icon has been handed the perfect platform to champion this narrative, after headlining the list for highest-paid female athletes in 2025.
Coco Gauff tops 2025 list for highest-paid female athletes
Taking to X, the American tennis legend, who fought valiantly for the kind of prize money that has rocketed Gauff to the top spot for a third-straight year, lauded her compatriot.
After all, this is exactly what she will have wanted to see when batting against inequality during her time.
And, it is why King is remembered so fondly, praised at every opportunity by her tennis contemporaries.
Her message was simple, and almost emphasised what her hard work had accomplished. In reference to this list of the top 15 highest-paid female athletes of the year, she replied: “10 of the Top 15 are tennis players.”
Gauff has called for more prize money across the entire WTA recently too, suggesting she is not content with the current state of her sport just yet.
Other tennis superstars on this list include Venus Williams, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
What Coco Gauff said about Billie Jean King after winning the 2023 US Open
To further emphasise the aforementioned point about how King is respected across all generations, Gauff’s reaction to winning her maiden Grand Slam titles perfectly sums it up.
After all, after claiming the 2023 US Open title in a hugely dramatic fashion, winning the biggest prize of her career to date, she instantly turned to the 82-year-old.
It was not just glory and the trophy she had won, but also a cheque for $3 million.
Gauff turned to King and claimed: “Thank you, Billie. For fighting for this.”
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In fact, every player currently playing on the WTA has King to thank for whatever they earn, as it is almost definitely significantly higher because of her fight back in the 1970s and beyond.
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