The world of tennis is undergoing a fascinating shift, not only in terms of talent but also when it comes to earnings and marketability.
At just 21 years old, American sensation Coco Gauff has risen to become the highest-paid female athlete in tennis, out-earning some of the sport’s most iconic players. According to the latest Forbes Tennis Rich List, Gauff’s financial achievements reflect a broader trend of female athletes commanding significant commercial power in what was once considered a male-dominated market.
Gauff’s total earnings over the past year reached an impressive $37 million. What sets her apart is that a substantial $25 million of this comes from off-court income, primarily from endorsement deals and investments.
She boasts partnerships with well-known brands like Bose and New Balance and has wisely invested in the women’s professional three-on-three basketball league, Unrivaled. These ventures have helped her surpass even Novak Djokovic’s earnings for the year, despite Djokovic’s legendary status and career prize money of nearly $189 million.
Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz continues to hold the title of highest-earning tennis player overall, with estimated earnings of $48.3 million before taxes and fees.
However, the gap between Alcaraz and his closest competitor, Italian Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner, has dramatically narrowed.
Sinner’s earnings jumped to $47.3 million, largely fueled by his on-court performance, where he earned $20.3 million compared to Alcaraz’s $13.3 million. This rivalry hints at an exciting future for men’s tennis earnings.
Women making a strong statement in tennis earnings
The Forbes Rich List reveals a powerful presence of female players among the top earners, with four women ranked in the top seven over the past 12 months. Alongside Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Qinwen Zheng, and Iga Swiatek also feature prominently, signaling the growing commercial viability of women’s tennis.
This marks a significant evolution in the sport, reflecting increased sponsorship, media attention, and fan interest in female players.
Despite Novak Djokovic’s phenomenal career earnings, this year he ranks fourth on the earnings list with just $4.6 million, underscoring how competitive and unpredictable tennis incomes can be.
Meanwhile, British player Emma Raducanu, who made headlines for her meteoric rise last year, earned $12.9 million, primarily from endorsements with giants like Nike, Christian Dior, and Porsche. This year, Raducanu’s on-court earnings are more modest at $1.1 million, but her brand presence remains strong.
The combined earnings of the top ten male and female tennis players totaled $285 million this year, a decrease from the $343 million peak in 2020, when legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams dominated the prize and endorsement money charts. Federer has since joined the exclusive billionaire athlete club, thanks in large part to his lucrative stake in the Swiss footwear and apparel company On.
Overall, the tennis world’s financial landscape is evolving, with young stars like Coco Gauff not only excelling on the court but also breaking new ground in athlete branding and earnings, paving the way for future generations.
Read the full article here
