8 richest tennis stars of 2023, ranked: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams … who has the highest net worth – and how much difference do brand endorsem*nts make?
As one of the most high-profile single-competitor sports, tennis is undoubtedly a lucrative pursuit for those at the top – as seen by the massive prize money and promotional deals players score during their careers. From the likes of Serena Williams to 90s tennis sensation Pete Sampras, tennis has long enjoyed the kind of financial reward that goes with global exposure. As we approach the end of 2023, here’s a rundown of some of the world’s most legendary tennis players, ranked by net worth, according to the number crunchers at Forbes Celebrity Net Worth, and co.
8. Andre Agassi
Estimated net worth: US$145-175 million
During the 1990s, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras dominated the tennis courts. Millennials will remember Agassi achieving the coveted “golden slam”, winning each of the four grand slam tournaments – Wimbledon, the Australian Open, US Open and French Open – as well as an Olympic gold medal. Agassi’s total prize money earnings for singles and doubles stands at over US$31 million, per official ATP Tour stats. This excludes his endorsem*nt deals. He is married to fellow pro player and 90s tennis darling Steffi Graf. Together, they own Agassi Graf Holdings. His brand deals have included endorsem*nts with Nike and Adidas. All of which adds up to a cool US$140 million-plus net worth.
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7. Pete Sampras
Estimated net worth: US$150-160 million
Sampras’ career spanned one and a half decades, during which he dominated grand slams and earned over US$43 million in singles and doubles prize money. At one point Sampras had his own California-based management company, Pure Sports Management, managed by his brother Gus Sampras. In a 1991 interview with The New York Times, Sampras said: “It’s nice to make the money, but that’s not what my tennis is all about.” Sampras’ endorsem*nts from Nike alone are estimated to have brought in at least US$100 million, per Sports Illustrated.
6. Maria Sharapova
Estimated net worth: US$180-225 million
She may have retired in 2020, but the money keeps rolling in. Per Forbes, Sharapova still endorses big-name brands like Nike and Evian and has deals with start-ups including Therabody and Tonal. She also launched Sugarpova, a highly successful confectionery and chocolate business. Speaking about her brand, Sharapova said at the 2020 Inc. 5000 Vision Conference, “I said I would love to own something 100 per cent, where I create my own team, I bring in the right resources, the finances, and I make the decisions every single day.”
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5. Rafael Nadal
Estimated net worth: US$220-315 million
The “king of clay”, Rafael Nadal has earned nearly US$135 million in prize money to date. The Spanish legend turned pro at the tender age of 14, and is a member of the elite “golden slam club”. Some of his notable endorsem*nt deals include partnerships with Kia, Nike, Emporio Armani, Banco Sabadell, Tommy Hilfiger and Mapfre. With Nadal confirming his return to the sport following surgery for a hip injury, his bank account will no doubt get fuller.
4. Novak Djokovic
Estimated net worth: US$230-240 million
Currently ranked No 1 in the world, the Serbian tennis player has won 98 titles in his career to date, winning matches against both Federer and Nadal, and has amassed earnings of nearly US$181 million, per ATP Tour.
Speaking about his motivation in a recent interview on CBS’ 60 Minutes the right-handed player said: “The young guys who are very hungry and very inspired to play their best tennis against me is an additional motivation. I think they kind of awaken a beast in me.” Lucrative brand deals Djokovic enjoys include partnerships with Peugeot, Lacoste, Asics and Mercedes-Benz.
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3. Serena Williams
Estimated net worth: US$290-300 million
Widely regarded as the GOAT (greatest of all time) of women’s tennis, Serena Williams is in a class of her own. Easily one of the most inspiring women to grace the courts, she earned nearly US$95 million over the course of her 27-year professional career. She also bears the distinction of being the only player to have achieved a golden slam in both singles and doubles. Williams’ lucrative endorsem*nts notably included an eight-year deal with Nike worth US$55 mil––lion, per StyleCaster. The business-savvy mother also co-founded lifestyle brand Will Perform, launched multimedia company Nine Two Six Productions and owns a small stake in the Miami Dolphins, according to Forbes.
2. Roger Federer
Estimated net worth: US$550-600 million
Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer earned nearly US$131 million in prize money from singles and doubles over his career. Among his notable brand endorsem*nts, in 2018, he teamed up with Japanese mass market retailer Uniqlo. Per Forbes, Federer signed a 10-year contract worth US$300 million with the brand. The tennis great also partnered with Rolex for US$15 million and has deals with Louis Vuitton and Switzerland Tourism.
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1. Ion Tiriac
Estimated net worth: US$2 billion
Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013 for his role as a sports manager and mentor, Romanian great Ion Tiriac is as savvy at business as he was skilled in tennis. Known as the “Brasov bulldozer”, Tiriac turned pro in 1968, and in 1970, won both the Italian and French Open doubles. Tiriac made much of his wealth through his Tiriac Group, which focuses on finance, real estate, sports management, energy and aviation companies. He also has a car and motorcycle collection of more than 400 models, per Forbes.
