"A lot of the brands want to get more women & want to be more diverse": Coco Gauff quizzed about gender gap still existing for sponsorships

Coco Gauff reflected on the gender gap in sponsorships for male and female tennis players.

The American tennis player advanced to the semifinals of the WTA Finals as the second-place finisher in her group, defeating Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova while losing to Iga Swiatek.

Gauff, at 19 years old, is still in the running to finish the year with the title after a remarkable season in which she won her first WTA 500, WTA 1000, and Grand Slam at the US Open.

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She was asked if her successful season helped her secure more sponsorships and whether she believes that women athletes will be paid the same amount as men:

“From a sponsorship standpoint, we’re getting some good money compared to the men. At least in my position. I wouldn’t say it’s more so like a contract thing. Yes, there’s still a gender gap, but I feel like now a lot of the brands want to get more women & want to be more diverse- Especially with me being a black woman,” Coco Gauff said.

“One of the reasons New Balance was keen to work with me from a young age was because they wanted to be more diverse… People think it’s a big gap, but I don’t think so,” she added.

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“Obviously if you win a Grand Slam you get more brands reaching out to you. These commitments take a lot. People think we just post a photo on the internet with that brand. People don’t realize it’s like an 8 hour or 10 hour day. Lots of times you have commitments or have to do an event,” 2023 US Open champion claimed.

“For me it’s just been about trying to still capitalize on the moment, but also protecting my peace & my mental health & still playing the game I love. I think my team has done a great job helping me with that,” Gauff added

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“A lot of brands are gonna reach out to more women athletes because they see how much we can & how much they can monetize from this. I know there are some people online who act like women’s sports isn’t a thing. But people really enjoy seeing us play,”

“I think as much as we can market ourselves, and market not just tennis, but other sports in general, it’d be better for everyone. Not just in sports. Hopefully it can transcend into other places of work & in business & other things like that. So I’m grateful to be in that position. Especially as a black woman, doing this. I’m thankful for all the people who paved the way so I can be in this position,” Coco Gauff stated.

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