Carlos Alcaraz has outshone one of his direct rivals, Novak Djokovic, to top the list of the highest-paid tennis players in the last 12 months.
According to the newly published Top 10 list by Sportico, one of the most popular digital publications in sports finance, Alcaraz earned an estimated $45 million in total earnings for the 12 months ending June 30th, 2024.
The reported figure comprises prize money from tennis tournaments, appearance fees, and endorsement income from sponsors. The bulk of Alcaraz's income was generated away from the court.
The Spaniard's tennis success and positive public image have been the launchpad for securing multimillion-dollar deals with major brands such as kit sponsor Nike and racket manufacturer Babolat.
Recently, he expanded his off-court portfolio to include BMW and Rolex. Alcaraz made $30 million through endorsements, but only half of that was from the tennis court.
Djokovic stood above every other active tennis player on the list last year but has relinquished that mantle to the 21-year-old megastar. The Serb banked an estimated $38.7 million. Despite being denied millions in bonus payments by the ATP, he still exceeded the $10 million mark in prize money.
Alcaraz and Djokovic were clear above the next three players on the list, thanks to their ability to pull in top dollar in appearance fees. Last year, they played an exhibition match in Saudi Arabia, each reportedly earning at least $1 million.
Third on the list is Jannik Sinner, with $25.7 million, who has blossomed in the last 12 months, winning two Masters titles and a maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
Sinner, Coco Gauff (fourth), and Iga Swiatek (fifth) are separated by hundreds of thousands of dollars in the standings. The young American is the top-earning WTA player, making more than her Polish rival in earnings.
Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, and Rafael Nadal also feature in the Top 10 despite playing fewer matches in the last 12 months than the names on the list, with each making at least $13 million or more in total earnings.
2024 Highest-Paid Tennis Players:
| Rank | Athlete | Prize Money | Endorsements | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Carlos Alcaraz | $15M | $30M | $45M |
| 2. | Novak Djokovic | $12.7M | $26M | $38.7M |
| 3. | Jannik Sinner | $13.7M | $12M | $25.7M |
| 4. | Coco Gauff | $7.6M | $18M | $25.6M |
| 5. | Iga Swiatek | $13.2M | $12M | $25.2M |
| 6. | Daniil Medvedev | $9.3M | $13M | $22.3M |
| 7. | Naomi Osaka | $506K | $16M | $16.5M |
| 8. | Emma Raducanu | $265K | $16M | $16.3M |
| 9. | Rafael Nadal | $246K | $13M | $13.2M |
| 10. | Alexander Zverev | $8.6M | $3.5M | $12.1M |
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