Millions of dollars. Checks that won't fit in a pocket. Records that are rewritten every year. Prize money in tennis is fantastic numbers. But who gets them? Do all players bathe in gold? And why is tennis one of the most expensive sports for both stars and middling players? Let's take out a calculator and figure out where the money comes from and where it goes.

Where does the money for prize money come from

The main source is tournaments. Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open) earn money from tickets, broadcasts, sponsors, and the sale of souvenirs. Their income is counted in hundreds of millions of dollars. And they share it with players. For example, in 2024, the total prize money at the US Open exceeded 75 million dollars, and at Wimbledon - 50 million pounds.

Top players: millionaires on rackets

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams - their career prize money has exceeded 150 million dollars each. Just prize money, not counting advertising and personal contracts. Djokovic had earned nearly 185 million dollars just in prize money by 2025. Month by month, he received checks for 3-4 million for winning a Grand Slam tournament. Plus bonuses from the ATP for being number one in the ranking.

Middling players: life on the edge

Now let's come down to earth. A player in the top 100 of the men's or women's ranking. He is already a professional, but not a star. He earns from 200 to 800 thousand dollars in prize money a year. Seems like a lot? But subtract taxes (up to 40-50% depending on the country of residence). Subtract the costs of a coach (from 50 to 150 thousand dollars a year), a physiotherapist, a masseur, a manager, travel, hotels, and food. Subtract what tournaments where he is eliminated in the first round bring in. In the end, the net profit may be zero or even negative.

The conspiracy on the other side: prize money for men and women

The question of equal prize money in men's and women's tennis has long been explosive. Now at Grand Slam tournaments, prize money for men and women is the same. This was achieved through a long struggle. For example, equality at Wimbledon came in 2007, and at the Australian Open in 2001.

Expenses of a professional: where the money goes

The list of expenses for a professional tennis player is frightening. Coach: a top specialist takes from 3 to 10 thousand dollars a week plus a percentage of prize money. Physiotherapist: 1-3 thousand dollars a week. Masseur: 1-2 thousand. Manager: usually 10-15 percent of prize money and advertising contracts. Equipment agent: commission from deals with Nike, Adidas, Wilson, etc.

Bonuses and contracts: where the real money is

Prize money is just the tip of the iceberg. The main money for stars is advertising contracts. Roger Federer has earned more than 1 billion dollars in his career, of which only 130 million are prize money. The rest is Nike, Rolex, Lindt, Uniqlo, and others. Serena Williams has earned more than 350 million, of which prize money is about 95. Even the first player in the ranking can have a contract with a local company for 50-100 thousand dollars a year, which greatly eases life.

Taxes: the state always comes first

Tennis players pay taxes in the country where the tournament is held. This is called "tax at source". For example, if you win 500 thousand dollars in New York, you will pay about 40% of taxes in the US. In France - up to 45%. In the UK - 45% plus national insurance. In Australia - about 35%. In Monte Carlo (where many live) - there are no taxes, but this does not exempt from paying in the countries where the tournaments are held.

Differences between tours: ATP vs WTA vs ITF

ITF (International Tennis Federation) manages futures and challengers. There is little prize money there. The winner of a future gets about 4 thousand dollars in hand for 25 thousand dollars. A half-year tournament path of such tournaments can only cover travel expenses. ITF is also responsible for Grand Slam tournaments, but there the money is already big.

Crisis at the bottom: the problem with futures and challengers

Hundreds of young talented players get stuck on futures and challengers. They earn 1-2 thousand dollars a week and spend 3-4. The difference is covered by parents, sponsors, or loans. This leads to the fact that many give up tennis without fully revealing their potential. Tennis loses potential stars.

The future of prize money: trends and forecasts

What will happen in 10 years? Prize money will continue to grow. Grand Slam tournaments will cross the 100-million mark. Winners will receive 4-5 million dollars. Programs to support lower levels will expand. Perhaps there will be a minimum wage equivalent for players in the top 200. The question of equal prize money at all tournaments, not just at the slams, remains controversial. Public pressure is growing. Sponsorship benefits from promoting equality. Therefore, by 2030, it can be expected that prize money at ATP and WTA tournaments of the same category will be unified. Players will also earn more on cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and streaming platforms, directly selling broadcasts of their training or merchandise. Professional tennis is entering the era of direct contact with fans bypassing traditional intermediaries. This may radically change the structure of income. But one thing will remain the same: to earn in tennis, you need to be either a genius, or a crazy workaholic, or very rich from birth. Or better yet - all three. Because tennis is not just a beautiful shot, but also a harsh economy.
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