Coco Gauff finds 'freedom' following Roger Federer & Naomi Osaka business blueprints

Coco Gauff found a sense of 'freedom' by following the business blueprint laid out by Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka. The American WTA star has launched her own management company, mirroring the path taken by Federer and Osaka in taking greater control of their careers off the court.

Earlier in 2025, Gauff, who was managed by Team8, left the organization and founded Coco Gauff Enterprises. Her father, Corey, remains a key figure behind the ideation.

Speaking to Forbes, Gauff said:

"I think there’s a certain level of freedom when you are rocking with yourself."

She drew inspiration from Osaka, who runs her own management firm, Evolve, after parting ways with IMG, as well as from Federer, who co-founded Team8 with his longtime agent Tony Godsick.

Notably, Gauff was ranked at the top of the list of the highest earning female athletes released by Forbes for the second year running. Her total income is a remarkable $33 million before taxes and agent fees. She earned close to $8 million through her on-court performances and around $25 million off-court.

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"I don’t want to just be a face of brands, but also be the brand" - Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals 2025- Source: Getty

Coco Gauff has turned her tennis success into a powerful personal brand. She exploded onto the scene at age 15 when she reached the fourth round at Wimbledon as a qualifier, defeating Venus Williams along the way, and she has not looked back since.

By 2025, she had won 11 WTA singles titles, including the French Open and the US Open, and climbed as high as No. 2 in the world. Her on-court achievements have made her one of the most recognizable figures in tennis today.

Off the court, Gauff has become one of the most marketable athletes in the sport. She has endorsement deals with major brands such as New Balance and Mercedes-Benz, and she even has her own signature sneaker line. While speaking to Forbes in the same interview, she said:

"As I’ve gotten older, I don’t want to just be a face of brands, but also be the brand... My dad has always said that this was his plan for me when I was younger, and it was up to me if I wanted to hop on board or not. And when I became 18, I knew that this is something that I wanted to work for."

At just 21, Gauff is already a role model for young athletes around the world. She speaks out on social issues and uses her growing platform to inspire others.

Edited by Aliasgar Ayaz