Top 20 prize money earners in 2022, before ATP Bercy Masters and WTA Finals
The overall winning of players leading up to the finals weeks of the season whos that the top earner in the WTA (Swiatek) earned more than the top earner on the ATP side (Alcaraz).
The prize money disparity has been a hot topic in tennis forever since ATP events give out more prize money than WTA events on average. The male side of the sport simply creates more interest in the general public which allows for higher prices and more sponsorships which lead to bigger prizes.
Even so, the top earner on the WTA side has earned more money than the top earner on the ATP side. Swiatek earned $9,405,525 which is more than Alcaraz who earned $7,519,409. It comes due to the fact that Swiatek won more significant events as she has two grand slams compared to Alcaraz who only has one.
Grand slams are giving out the same prize money for both the ATP and WTA. Nadal, Djokovic, Ruud and Tsitsipas round out the top 5 on the ATP side while Jabeur, Rybakina, Pegula and Gauff round out the WTA side. Ashleigh Barty is 6th on the list despite retiring 10 months ago with the bulk of her prize money coming due to the Australian Open showing the importance of winning grand slams.
Top 20 prize money earners in 2022, before ATP Bercy Masters and WTA Finals