With career earnings in tennis among the most unequal in all of sports, the question remains: just how much are the top players earning?
Although sponsorships and endorsements play a crucial role in making tennis careers financially viable, prize money has also seen a dramatic increase over a relatively short period.
In 2004, the Australian Open champion took home a modest A$916,000 - a figure that pales in comparison to the impressive A$3,500,000 awarded to the 2025 winner.
Let's delve into the tennis players who have amassed the highest career prize money totals, factoring in earnings from both singles and doubles, without adjusting for inflation.
1. Novak Djokovic - $185,541,164
Still an active player, Djokovic's 24 Grand Slam titles and 99 ATP singles titles have helped cement him well and truly at the top of the highest earner list.
Grand Slam wins:
- 10 Australian Open
- 3 French Open
- 7 Wimbledon
- 4 US Open
2. Rafael Nadal - $134,946,100
Retiring last year, the Spanish tennis legend's long-spanning career saw him take home 22 Grand Slam trophies and 92 ATP singles titles.
Grand Slam wins:
- 2 Australian Open
- 14 French Open
- 2 Wimbledon
- 4 US Open
Rafael Nadal raced to a third US Open title and 16th Grand Slam crown on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 rout of South African giant Kevin Anderson. / AFP PHOTO / DON EMMERT (Photo credit should read DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images)
3. Roger Federer - $130,594,339
Retiring in 2022 after an unmatched 24-year career - the longest of anyone on this list - Roger Federer shares the record for most Grand Slam appearances (81) with Feliciano Lรณpez and boasts an incredible 103 ATP singles titles.
Grand Slam wins:
- 6 Australian Open
- 1 French Open
- 8 Wimbledon
- 5 US Open
4. Serena Williams - $94,816,730
The highest-earning female athlete in prize money history, Serena Williams retired in 2022 with 23 Grand Slam titles, 73 WTA singles titles, and the distinction of being the only player to achieve a Career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.
Grand Slam wins:
- 7 Australian Open
- 3 French Open
- 7 Wimbledon
- 6 US Open
5. Andy Murray - $64,687,542
Retiring after the 2024 Paris Olympics, the British tennis star concluded a remarkable career with two Olympic gold medals, three Grand Slam titles and 46 ATP singles titles.
Grand Slam wins:
- 2 Wimbledon
- 1 US Open
6. Alexander Zverev - $50,548,001
Although he has yet to claim a Grand Slam title, the 27-year-old boasts immense talent and plenty of time ahead, having already secured 23 ATP singles titles, making him already the sixth-highest-earning player of all time.
No Grand Slam wins
7. Daniil Medvedev - $45,126,978
With only one Grand Slam title to show for what is thus far a very successful career, the Russian has 20 ATP singles titles and was ranked No.1 in the world in 2022.
Grand Slam wins:
- 1 US Open
8. Pete Sampras - $43,280,498
The American player, whose career spanned from 1988 to 2003, earned 12 Grand Slam singles titles and 64 ATP singles titles. As the oldest player on this list, adjusting his prize money for inflation would push him several spots higher.
Grand Slam wins:
- 2 Australian Open
- 7 Wimbledon
- 5 US Open
9. Venus Williams - $42,648,578
With 49 ATP singles titles, along with four gold medals and one silver, Venus is the most decorated tennis player in Olympic history, surpassing her younger sister Serena.
Grand Slam wins:
- 5 Wimbledon
- 2 US Open
10. Simona Halep - $40,232,663
The Romanian player has won two Grand Slam titles and 24 ATP singles titles. While the 33-year-old is not yet retired, she is on hold from adding to her prize money total for now due to a doping violation suspension.
Grand Slam wins:
- 1 French Open
- 1 Wimbledon