Carlos Alcaraz’s victory at the 2025 US Open came with a groundbreaking reward: a $5 million prize, equivalent to €4.27 million. This figure marks the largest payout ever awarded to a Grand Slam singles champion. The increase reflects the tournament’s expanded prize pool, which rose significantly this year. Alcaraz’s win over Jannik Sinner not only secured his sixth major title but also placed him at the center of tennis’s financial spotlight.
Tax burdens reduce the final earnings
Despite the record-breaking prize, Alcaraz will not take the full amount home. According to Spanish tax regulations, he is subject to a combined national and regional tax rate of approximately 47%. This means nearly €2 million will be withheld by the Spanish tax authorities. The impact of these deductions highlights how elite athletes often lose a significant portion of their earnings to taxation.
Grand Slam winnings and global taxation
Alcaraz’s situation is not unique. Similar deductions apply across different countries, including France and the United States. While the US Open prize was earned in New York, Spain’s tax treaty with the United States prevents double taxation, allowing Alcaraz to avoid additional federal and state taxes on the same income.
Career earnings surpass $50 million milestone
With this latest triumph, Alcaraz has officially crossed the $50 million mark in career prize money, becoming only the seventh player in tennis history to do so. His rapid ascent since turning professional in 2018 has been fueled by consistent performances across Grand Slams and ATP events, placing him among the sport’s financial elite.
The cost of victory behind the scenes
Beyond taxes, Alcaraz’s earnings are also impacted by expenses related to coaching, travel, and support staff. These costs, combined with tax deductions, leave players with significantly less than the headline figures suggest. It’s a reminder that the glamorous numbers often mask the financial realities of professional competition.
A financial reality for modern champions
Even record-breaking wins come with financial caveats. Taxation and professional expenses shape the true value of tournament success. Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open victory was a landmark moment in tennis history, both for its athletic significance and its financial implications. While the prize money set a new standard, the deductions and costs behind the scenes reveal the complex landscape that elite players must navigate.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Ranked world no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 7th of September when he defeated world no.2 Jannik Sinner 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 in the final of the U.S. Open to win his 24th career title.
At the moment, during this season Carlos has a composed 61-6 win-loss record. The Spaniard has won 7 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati and U.S. Open. Alcaraz was the finalist in Barcelona and Wimbledon.
He is also scheduled to play in Tokyo (Japan Open Tennis Championships) on the 24th of September and Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters) on the 1st of October.