CORI GAUFF has the potential to break the £100million barrier if she can turn her Wimbledon fairytale into a dominant career.
An industry analyst believes the groundwork laid by Serena and Venus Williams could allow the 15-year-old sensation to earn double what the top stars of women’s tennis currently bank.
According to Nigel Curry, a former joint chairman of the European Sponsorship Association, the world of sports is desperate for a woman like Gauff to step up.
Curry told Sunday Times: “Without doubt she has the potential to be the highest paid sports woman ever and it has been a crown waiting for someone to grab hold of for the last 10 years.
“It has been crying out for a woman to become that figure.
“At the moment you would be talking about earnings of £50m a year as the dominant player in the women’s game, but if Gauff wins multiple Grand Slams and dominates you could probably double that.”
Roger Federer’s TEAM8 agency has already snapped up the American and she will earn her first million through existing agreements with pasta maker Barilla, and sportswear brands Head and New Balance.
For Curry, all this was possible because of the glass ceiling smashed by Venus and Serena.
He added: “The barriers that the Williams sisters broke down will help Gauff and she has an open book.”
While both Williams were able to secure major sponsorship deals, they came before the massive earning power brought along with social media.
If Gauff can build a successful tennis career, and harness the power of Instagram and Snapchat et al, she would have all the tools necessary to cash in.
Curry noted: “What Serena has been earning will be eclipsed because Gauff is part of the generation that uses social media so frequently and sponsors will love to get on board with someone who has such a big impact and millions of followers.”
