As the tennis world ushered in 2024, players had their sights set on more than just glory and trophies. The season’s prize money painted a picture of success and resilience, showcasing who turned their talent and hard work into financial triumphs. With the Australian Open boasting a record-breaking prize pool of over $96.5 million AUD, the stakes were higher than ever, reflecting the evolving dynamics of both the ATP and WTA tours.
Gone are the days when tennis’s highest earners were dominated by the iconic “Big Three” – Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. While these legends have left an indelible mark on the sport, the spotlight has shifted to a new generation. Rising stars and resilient veterans alike are redefining the financial landscape of professional tennis. Here’s a breakdown of 2024’s top earners in the game.
Top 10 Earners in Tennis for 2024
10. Casper Ruud – $9.32 Million
Casper Ruud’s year was a mix of heartbreak and triumph. Despite losing early finals to Australian players, Ruud captured victories at the Barcelona and Geneva Opens and made a strong showing at the French Open semifinals, securing his place in the elite top ten.
9. Jasmine Paolini – $9.45 Million
Paolini’s unexpected rise stunned the tennis world. A breakthrough year saw her reach the finals in both singles and doubles at the French Open and a singles final at Wimbledon. While she fell short in these key matches, her career-high ranking of fourth and her earnings tell a story of resilience and talent.
8. Daniil Medvedev – $10.58 Million
Known for his consistent performances, Medvedev’s 2024 was marked by several near-misses. Despite no titles, deep runs at tournaments like the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and Indian Wells helped him secure a spot on this list.
7. Taylor Fritz – $13.39 Million
Fritz rebounded from a rocky start to 2024 with strong performances in the latter half of the year. Titles at the Delray Beach Open and Eastbourne International, alongside finals at the US Open and ATP Finals, propelled him to a career-best fourth in the ATP rankings.
6. Iga Swiatek – $13.88 Million
Swiatek continued to dominate on clay, winning her fourth French Open title in five years. She also added victories at the Qatar Open and three Masters tournaments, reaffirming her status as a force in women’s tennis.
5. Coco Gauff – $15.17 Million
The 20-year-old prodigy proved her mettle, claiming titles at the Auckland Open, China Masters, and the WTA Finals. Known for her near-perfect record in finals, Gauff solidified her position as one of the most bankable stars in tennis.
4. Aryna Sabalenka – $15.17 Million
Sabalenka’s 2024 campaign included defending her Australian Open title and winning the US Open. Her triumphs at the Cincinnati and Wuhan Masters cemented her position as the WTA’s top-ranked player.
3. Carlos Alcaraz – $16.81 Million
Despite battling injuries, Alcaraz claimed two grand slam titles at the French Open and Wimbledon. His consistent dominance ensured a significant payday and further established him as a cornerstone of the sport’s future.
2. Alexander Zverev – $18.66 Million
Returning from injury, Zverev showcased his resilience with wins at the Paris and Rome Masters. While his personal controversies made headlines, his financial success on the court remains undisputed.
1. Jannik Sinner – $32.04 Million
Sinner’s meteoric rise saw him claim eight major titles, including the Australian Open and US Open, with a near-flawless 73-6 win-loss record. His dominance in 2024 set a new benchmark for prize earnings in tennis history.
The Changing Financial Landscape
2024’s earnings highlight a trend of increased parity between men’s and women’s tennis, with more tournaments offering equal prize money. This shift not only boosts the sport’s global appeal but also ensures greater recognition for rising stars across both tours.
