Key Takeaways
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Sinner earns $58 million, including a record $23 million in prize money
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Six women feature in the Top 10, outnumbering men for the first time
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Serena Williams ranks third overall with $40.1 million
Sinner’s record-breaking year
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner missed the US Open due to a knee injury, but his financial success made headlines. Forbes ranked him as the highest-paid tennis player of 2026 with $58 million in earnings. His sponsorships with Nike, Rolex, Head, Gucci, and Explora Journeys added to his record $23 million in prize money, the largest ever recorded in the Forbes list.
Women take center stage
For the first time, women outnumber men in the Top 10 earners. Serena Williams returned to prominence with $40.1 million, placing third overall. Coco Gauff earned $35.5 million, slightly down from her $37.2 million in 2025 when she was the highest-paid female athlete. Aryna Sabalenka followed closely with $36.1 million. “Your life is still gonna be your life regardless if you win or lose… and at that point, you play free,” Gauff told Forbes, reflecting her balanced approach to competition.
Rivalry with Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Sinner in the 2025 US Open final, ranked second in 2026 with $53.7 million. The Spaniard’s endorsements with Nike, Babolat, Rolex, and Louis Vuitton continue to strengthen his profile. Last year, Alcaraz led the list with $48.3 million, but Sinner’s Wimbledon triumph and record prize money earnings pushed him to the top.
Other top earners
Novak Djokovic earned $30.2 million to place sixth. Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen followed with $22.6 million at No. 7. Iga Swiatek ranked eighth with $20.5 million, Alexander Zverev ninth with $18.7 million, and Elena Rybakina completed the Top 10 with $17.4 million.
A new era in tennis finance
The 2026 Forbes list highlights tennis’ global appeal and the rising commercial power of women’s tennis. With Sinner leading the way and Serena Williams making a remarkable return, the sport continues to expand its financial horizons, setting new standards for future generations.
Forbes 2026 Highest-Paid Tennis Players
| Rank | Player | Earnings (USD) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jannik Sinner | $58 million | Record $23 million prize money; endorsements with Nike, Rolex, Head, Gucci, Explora Journeys |
| 2 | Carlos Alcaraz | $53.7 million | Wimbledon finalist; endorsements with Nike, Babolat, Rolex, Louis Vuitton |
| 3 | Serena Williams | $40.1 million | 23-time Grand Slam champion; major comeback at age 44 |
| 4 | Aryna Sabalenka | $36.1 million | World No. 1; consistent major performances |
| 5 | Coco Gauff | $35.5 million | Two-time major winner; previously highest-paid female athlete |
| 6 | Novak Djokovic | $30.2 million | Grand Slam record holder; long-time top earner |
| 7 | Zheng Qinwen | $22.6 million | Olympic gold medalist; rising global star |
| 8 | Iga Swiatek | $20.5 million | Multiple Grand Slam titles; dominant on clay |
| 9 | Alexander Zverev | $18.7 million | Consistent top-10 presence; major finals appearances |
| 10 | Elena Rybakina | $17.4 million | Wimbledon champion; growing endorsement portfolio |
Jannik Sinner in 2026
Now ranked no.1, Jannik played his last match on the 12th of July when he beat world no.2 Alexander Zverev 6-7(7) 7-6(2) 6-3 6-4 in the final in Wimbledon to win his 31st career title.
Currently, during this season the Italian has an overall 44-3 match record. Sinner clinched 6 titles in 2026 in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Wimbledon.
