Forbes has released its annual tennis earnings, revealing the top 10 highest-paid players in the world with
Novak Djokovic taking the top spot following
Roger Federer's retirement.
Former world No. 1 Federer was the world's highest-paid player for fifteen years, from 2007 until he retired from the sport in 2022, hauling in an estimated $95 million a year.
Since his departure, 23-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic now heads up the list, having earned an estimated $38.4 million before taxes and agent's fees over the past year. $13.4 million came from prize money, while the other $25 million was earned through endorsement deals, appearance fees, and licensing and memorabilia income.
Alcaraz and Swiatek also in top 5
Not far behind Djokovic is men's singles world No. 1
Carlos Alcaraz, who earned an estimated $11.4 million on court and $20 million off court this year, giving him an estimated total of $31.4 million at just 20 years old.
In third place is women's singles world No. 1
Iga Swiatek, who sits about $9 million behind Alcaraz at an estimated $22.4 million. The four-time Grand Slam champion earned $8.4 million on the court and $14 million off the court this year.
Rounding out the top 5 is world No. 3
Daniil Medvedev at an estimated $20.1 million and tennis legend
Rafael Nadal at an estimated $15.5 million. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has missed most of this season due to injury, making $1.5 million on the court in comparison to $14 million off the court, including through a new partnership with Subway and by investing in an electric raceboat league.
Raducanu, Gauff and Osaka are also on the list
Sixth on the list is 2021 US Open champion
Emma Raducanu with an estimated $15.3 million. Interestingly, she has made $0.3 million on the court this year after missing all the clay and grass-court seasons to undergo and recover from surgery. However, a 2022 report revealed that the Brit has the highest average engagement on branded posts of any female tennis player, making her very popular with sponsors and helping her earn an estimated $15 million off the court this year.
Following Raducanu is newly-crowned Cincinnati Open champion
Coco Gauff at $15.2 million, followed by world No. 5
Casper Ruud at $14.4 million.
In ninth place is four-time Grand Slam champion
Naomi Osaka at $12.1 million. She last played at the Japan Open in September 2022, before missing all of the 2023 season after she announced that she was pregnant. Therefore, she earned an estimated $0.1 million on the court compared to $12 million off the court. Finally, world No. 3
Jessica Pegula sits in tenth place with an estimated $10.9 million.
