ROME — Despite a surprising early exit at the Italian Open, rising tennis star Coco Gauff is set to take home a substantial pay cheque, while Britain’s Emma Raducanu also secured a notable £55,000 in prize money. The tournament, one of the most prestigious on the WTA Tour, offers significant financial rewards even for early-round exits, highlighting the lucrative nature of professional tennis.
Gauff’s Early Exit Doesn’t Dampen Earnings
World No. 3 Coco Gauff suffered a shock second-round defeat to unseeded Czech player Sara Bejlek, marking an unexpected stumble in her clay-court season. However, despite the loss, Gauff will still pocket a hefty €36,400 (approximately $39,000) for her participation. The 20-year-old American, who has been a consistent force on tour, remains one of the highest earners in women’s tennis, with career prize money exceeding $12 million.
Gauff’s earnings reflect the WTA’s structured prize money distribution, which ensures players are compensated even for early exits. "Every tournament is an opportunity, and even a loss doesn’t mean going home empty-handed," said a WTA spokesperson. The Italian Open, as a WTA 1000 event, guarantees substantial payouts across all rounds.
Raducanu’s Strong Run Yields £55k Payday
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, continued her resurgence with a solid performance in Rome, reaching the third round before falling to world No. 1 Iga Świątek. Her efforts earned her £55,000 (€64,000), a welcome boost as she rebuilds her ranking after injury setbacks.
Raducanu, who has struggled with consistency since her historic Grand Slam win, showed flashes of her best form in Rome. "It’s been a tough road back, but every match is a step forward," she said in a post-match interview. The 21-year-old’s earnings this season now exceed £300,000, reinforcing her status as one of the sport’s most marketable stars.
Prize Money Breakdown at the Italian Open
The Italian Open offers one of the richest prize pools outside the Grand Slams, with total prize money exceeding €5.2 million ($5.6 million) for the women’s draw. Here’s how the earnings break down for early-round exits:
- First Round: €12,000 (~$13,000)
- Second Round: €36,400 (~$39,000)
- Third Round: €64,000 (~$69,000)
The Bigger Picture: Tennis’ Lucrative Nature
While Grand Slams dominate headlines, WTA 1000 events like the Italian Open provide crucial financial stability for players. Even early losses guarantee significant payouts, ensuring that rising stars and established names alike benefit from the sport’s economic ecosystem. "It’s not just about winning—it’s about making a living," noted tennis analyst Mark Petchey.
For Gauff and Raducanu, the Italian Open may not have delivered the results they wanted, but it reinforced the financial rewards available at the highest level. With Wimbledon and the Olympics on the horizon, both players will look to capitalize on future opportunities.
Conclusion: A Silver Lining in Defeat
Though Coco Gauff’s early exit was disappointing, her earnings highlight the financial security top players enjoy. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu’s £55k payday underscores her progress as she aims to return to the sport’s upper echelons. "In tennis, even losses pay well," quipped one commentator—a reminder of the sport’s unique rewards.
As the clay-court season continues, both players will shift focus to Roland Garros, where even greater prize money awaits. For now, their Italian Open earnings serve as a testament to the lucrative nature of professional tennis, where every match—win or lose—comes with a paycheck.