In a heartfelt and inspiring move that has captured the world’s attention, 21-year-old tennis champion Coco Gauff has announced she will donate all her Roland-Garros prize money—estimated at over $2 million—to establish a tennis academy for underprivileged Black children in her home state of Florida.
Following her sensational straight-sets victory at Roland-Garros this weekend, Gauff stood before an emotional crowd during her post-match press conference and delivered a message that reached far beyond tennis.
“I want to help BLACK kids passionate about tennis have the opportunity to develop, erasing racial stereotypes. I was once one of those kids. This is my way of giving back, and creating something bigger than myself,” Gauff declared, fighting back tears.
A Champion on and off the Court
Coco Gauff’s rise in the tennis world has been nothing short of meteoric. From defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon at the age of 15, to becoming a global icon of athleticism, grace, and activism, Gauff has never shied away from using her platform for causes close to her heart.
But this latest gesture has set a new precedent.
According to Gauff’s team, the entire prize purse—over $2.3 million from the 2025 Roland-Garros Grand Slam—will be invested in founding the Gauff Tennis and Education Academy (GTEA). The facility will be built in a historically underserved area in South Florida, with the goal of making tennis accessible to children from communities that have been historically excluded from the sport.
Breaking Barriers Through Action
“I grew up lucky to have access to tennis courts, coaches, and support. But I’ve seen so many talented kids who never had the chance,” Gauff said. “This academy will not just train the next generation of champions, but also help break the stereotype that tennis is only for the wealthy or the white.”
The GTEA will include:
Eight state-of-the-art hard and clay courts
A fitness and rehabilitation center
Classrooms for academic tutoring and college prep
Dormitory space for out-of-town athletes
Free coaching programs for children ages 6–18
The academy is also expected to partner with the USTA and WTA in talent development and diversity programs.
Reactions Pour In
The tennis world and beyond have responded with an outpouring of praise.
Serena Williams, whom Gauff has often cited as her idol, tweeted:
“This is what greatness looks like. Coco, you’re not just winning trophies—you’re changing lives. Proud of you, always.”
USTA President Kimberly Graham praised the initiative, saying, “Coco is leading by example. Her commitment to social equity is a game-changer for American tennis.”
Even non-sports figures weighed in. Michelle Obama wrote on Instagram:
“What Coco Gauff is doing is bold, generous, and necessary. She’s not waiting to be a role model—she already is.”
More Than Just an Academy
Gauff emphasized that the GTEA will also focus on building character and community leadership among its students.
“We’re not just teaching forehands and backhands,” she said. “We’re teaching kids how to believe in themselves, to speak up, and to own their dreams.”
Gauff revealed that the idea came to her during a tour visit to a Miami public school last year, where she met a young girl who told her, “I want to be like you, but we don’t have tennis in my neighborhood.”
“That broke my heart. And I knew I had to do something,” Gauff recalled.
Looking Ahead
Construction for the academy is expected to begin in early 2026, with doors projected to open by the end of 2027. Gauff has already met with city officials and education leaders in Miami-Dade County to secure the location and initial zoning.
The Gauff family will oversee the academy through a new nonprofit foundation that will seek additional support from corporate sponsors and the tennis community.
In the meantime, Gauff returns to the court next month for Wimbledon, with even more fans cheering for her—not just for her brilliance as an athlete, but for her unmatched courage as a changemaker.
Final Thoughts
In a sport often criticized for its exclusivity, Coco Gauff’s decision to invest in underserved communities marks a pivotal moment in tennis history. By choosing impact over indulgence, she has redefined what victory looks like—not just on the court, but in life.
As Gauff said in closing:
“This isn’t the end of something—it’s the beginning.”
