Tennis is a sport that pays the athletes who are at the top of the table quite well. All players who have occupied the top spot at one point in time never have to worry about their financial situations for their entire lives unless some tragic choices were made. In 2023, we saw many champions, but none could eclipse Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in earnings.
Both tennis stars entered the list of the top 100 highest-earning athletes this year. Their earnings are not far apart from each other. Despite Djokovic winning three slams, Carlos Alcaraz had the potential to go ahead of him.
Novak Djokovic barely out earns Carlos Alcaraz
In 2023, we saw athletes earn mind-boggling amounts. Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr, is the highest-earning athlete of 2023. As the list continues, Novak Djokovic comes in at the 46th position as he earned a total of $44.9 million. He attained $15.9 million from prize money and $29 million from various endorsements. Djokovic won the Australian Open, French Open, and the US Open, along with a final in the Wimbledon to earn it.
After the Djoker, Carlos Alcaraz sits at the 56th spot. The young Spaniard attained $42.2 million throughout the year. He earned $15.2 million from prize money, out of which $4.4 million came from the ATP’s bonus pool for most 500 and 1000 points. He then went on to amass an astounding $27 million simply from endorsements. Alcaraz is sponsored by and endorses Nike and Babolat for his tennis equipment.
Additionally, BMW, Rolex, Calvin Klein, and Louis Vuitton are also endorsed by him. These brands have launched his earning potential to the heavens as he managed to earn only $2.7 million less than Djokovic despite winning fewer majors and Master tournaments.
While Djokovic is at the top of the highest earners in 2023, he is also the highest earner in tennis.
Many legends have stepped up to the court to ensure their names are immortalized in tennis. However, no one has done it in the way Djokovic has. He currently holds the record for the most number of grand slams and Masters titles. With 24 grand slams and 40 Masters titles, it is no surprise that the Serbinator is the highest earner in tennis.
His current earnings from prize money are over $181 million. Rafael Nadal occupies the second spot with $134.6 million. Djokovic has shown no signs of stopping and is likely to earn more. How much more can he earn from his future stints?