Carlos Alcaraz Tops Forbes List of Highest-Paid Tennis Players
Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has ascended to the pinnacle of the Forbes list of the world’s highest-paid tennis players, dethroning Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz’s estimated earnings of $42.3 million over the past 12 months, before taxes and agent fees, have propelled him to the top spot.
While Djokovic, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, dominated on-court earnings with $12.2 million in prize money, Alcaraz’s off-court ventures have proven to be a lucrative source of income. The Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion has secured lucrative endorsement deals with blue-chip brands such as Nike, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, and BMW.
Alcaraz’s off-court earnings, estimated at $32 million, include a jam-packed schedule of appearances and exhibitions that reportedly pay him up to $2 million for a single appearance. This has given him a significant edge over Djokovic, whose off-court earnings totaled $25 million.
Coco Gauff, the 18-year-old American rising star, ranks third on the list with estimated earnings of $27.1 million, $20 million of which came from off-court ventures. Iga Swiatek, the Polish world No. 1, follows closely behind with $26.7 million, including $15 million from off-court earnings.
Jannik Sinner, the 21-year-old Italian, rounds out the top five with $26.6 million, $15 million of which came from off-court ventures. Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spaniard, ranks sixth with $23.3 million, including $23 million from off-court earnings.
The Forbes list highlights the growing importance of off-court earnings in the world of tennis. Players like Alcaraz, Gauff, and Sinner are leveraging their on-court success to secure lucrative endorsement deals and other off-court ventures, which are contributing significantly to their overall earnings.