“I like to partner with things that are an extension of myself,” Coco Gauff said last year while giving a glimpse of her interest on the business side of things other than the passion for tennis. It becomes evident from her off-court growth as a bankable athlete. Probably that’s why she made $15 million, according to Forbes, in 2023 thanks to her deals with New Balance, Bose, Carol’s Daughter, Naked Smoothies, and even Rolex. But she isn’t stopping anytime soon with the off court endeavors. Result? Last month, she took a new turn as a business entrepreneur. And Gauff’s made sure she will stick to it for a long time – even when she’s done swinging her racket! But will this big move bring a massive change? The 21-year-old just threw light on it.
For the uninitiated, Gauff left her longtime agency, Team8, last month and launched her own management firm. Guess what it’s called? Coco Gauff Enterprises. Taking to her IG, she shared a post and wrote, “New beginnings!! I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Coco Gauff Enterprises, powered by @WME.” In her message, featuring an image of hers, she revealed, “I’m excited to build something that allows me to take greater ownership of my career while also creating opportunities that extend beyond myself as I continue to grow as an athlete, entrepreneur, and changemaker.”
Gauff, who’s set to compete at the Italian Open this week, was asked about the future of her ambitious management company. Will it bring a significant transition in her role? During a press conference, dated May 6, the 2023 US Open winner finally provided the answer. “I would say not in the near future, but I mean as far as like tennis wise and life-wise, no, it won’t change anything.”
Reflecting on the real reason behind this move, Gauff added, “it’s something that I wanted to build just for like post career. I’ve always been passionate about other things since before I was pro and you know I have the opportunity to pursue those passions.”
Throwing light on her long-term goals, post-retirement, the World No.3 continued, “But you know it’s going to take time and stuff because of the fact that tennis is my main priority, I have a lot I want to do in this sport. But I think that just starting the foundation instead of when I’m retired having to, like, play catchup I think so like why not I can do both things and be passionate about it.”
Before starting the journey with her own management firm, Gauff was part of Team8 since the age of 13. It’s not just any random company. In fact, it’s been associated with the likes of Roger Federer. The 20-time slam king actually co-founded it alongside Tony Godsick, in 2013.
Shifting the focus back to on-court action, Gauff would like to carry forward her promising run in Madrid. While she couldn’t lift the trophy, the 2024 WTA Finals champion is expecting to make it happen in Rome.
Coco Gauff hopes to do ‘one better’ at the Italian Open
After failing to put on great runs in back-to-back events this season, Coco Gauff finally witnessed a resurgence. It came at the Madrid Open last month. She was able to reach the summit clash on the clay court. However, World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka denied her a title win. The Belarusian won her third overall Madrid trophy with a score line of 6-3, 7-6(3).
Despite the loss, Gauff later expressed her happiness for having a confidence-boosting campaign. On X she wrote, “thank you madrid not the outcome I was hoping for today but a lot to be proud of. leaving here with my head up and more motivation to work even harder to do better next time #Godstiming.” And guess what?
The World No.3 reiterated this sentiment during the pre-event conference too. She was asked about her feelings coming into the Italian Open after an inspiring Madrid run. So what did she say? Well, the American WTA pro simply revealed she’s “happy to be back in Rome, excited to hopefully capitalize and you know, do one better than I did in Madrid.”
Gauff’s best result at the Italian Open is reaching the semis in 2021 and then 2024. What are your thoughts on her prospects in Rome this time? Will she eventually lift her maiden trophy in 2025 season? Let us know in the comments below?
The post “Won’t Change Anything” – Coco Gauff Breaks Silence on Entrepreneurship as an Exciting New Chapter Awaits appeared first on EssentiallySports.
