GOOD NEWS: Coco Gauff Donates Entire Roland-Garros Prize Money, Touches Hearts Around the World
Paris, June 8, 2025 — In a stunning and deeply moving gesture, American tennis star Coco Gauff announced that she will donate 100% of her prize money from winning the 2025 Roland-Garros to causes she says are “close to [her] heart.” The announcement came just moments after she lifted the prestigious French Open trophy in front of a packed stadium and millions of viewers around the world.
The 21-year-old sensation, who defeated world No. 1 Iga Świątek in a thrilling three-set final, took home approximately €2.4 million ($2.6 million USD) in prize earnings. But instead of keeping the winnings, Gauff revealed in a post-match interview that she would donate the full amount to youth education initiatives, mental health support services, and humanitarian relief efforts in war-affected regions.
“Tennis has given me everything,” Gauff said with tears in her eyes. “Now it’s my turn to give something back. There are kids out there who will never hold a racket, but they still deserve a shot at life, education, and healing.”
The tennis world — and the wider global community — was taken by surprise. Gauff’s decision has been praised as one of the most selfless acts seen in professional sports in recent years.
On social media, fans flooded platforms with messages of admiration. “Coco Gauff just became more than a champion — she became a legend of humanity,” wrote one X (formerly Twitter) user. Others called her gesture “inspirational,” “heroic,” and “a masterclass in character.”
Even Billie Jean King, tennis pioneer and advocate for social change, tweeted, “Coco’s heart is as big as her serve. She embodies what it means to be a true champion on and off the court.”
This isn’t the first time Gauff has spoken out or acted for causes she believes in. Since rising to fame as a teenager, she’s been an outspoken advocate for racial equality, voting rights, and youth empowerment. However, this move — donating a multi-million-dollar check at the peak of her career — marks a new level of impact and authenticity.
Gauff later clarified how the funds would be divided. A significant portion will go to building classrooms and digital libraries in underfunded communities in the U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa. Another share will be given to organizations providing trauma counseling and mental health services for young people. Lastly, she will contribute to emergency relief efforts in Gaza and Ukraine, stating that “we can’t ignore the pain of others just because it’s far away.”
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the French Open organizers also commended Gauff’s move. In a joint statement, they said: “Coco Gauff has reminded us that greatness in sports is not just measured by titles, but by the heart behind the triumphs.”
At just 21, Coco Gauff has not only etched her name into Grand Slam history but also into the hearts of millions — proving that sometimes, the biggest victory is what you choose to give away.
