Top 5 Biggest Earners in Tennis

Written by: Staff on 10th April 2013

Top 5 Biggest Earners in Tennis

epa03625011 Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot to Rafael Nadal of Spain during their match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, USA, 14 March 2013. EPA/PAUL BUCK |

By Sam Rigby

For years, tennis has been a hugely successful sport, attracting millions of global spectators from around the world.

But as technology expands and the methods in which viewers can take in the action increases, it means that like most other sports, Tennis is now embroiled in the high-stakes world of sponsorship.

These sponsorship deals have a hugely significant effect on the game, and even more so upon the players.

So who are tennis’ biggest financial hitters? And how does sponsorship help them acquire so much money?

Here are the players that make the biggest financial gain in the world of Tennis.

Roger Federer

The Swiss legend had another incredible year in 2012, including a record equalling seventh Wimbledon title.

It also saw Federer earn nearly £30 million, but only 6 million of it however was from prize money.

He made most of his earnings through his long list of exclusive sponsorship deals, which includes agreements with Nike, Mercedes-Benz, Rolex and Gillette.

Rafael Nadal

Although a knee injury kept Nadal out of a significant part of the season, including the US Open, he still managed to accumulate an impressive amount of income.

Despite his injury setbacks, the Spaniard earned an impressive £20 million, with £15 million of that earned through his deals with Nike, Kia, Babolat and Bacardi.

Maria Sharapova

When Sharapova burst onto the scene 2004, winning Wimbledon at the tender age of 17, we knew she would become one of the powerhouses of modern tennis.

2012 was another great year, including a victory at the French Open, silver medal at London 2012 and regaining the top spot on the WTA rankings (a feat she currently no longer holds).

Her eight-year deal with Nike and Tag Heuer, Dannone and Tiffany deals saw her earn £17 million.

Novak Djokovic

What a year for Novak Djokovic!

A third consecutive victory at the Australian Open and an appearance in the final of the French Open meant 2012 was successful for the Serbian star, and along with his big money deals with Uniqlo, Head and Mercedes-Benz saw him accumulate £12 million.

Li Na

She is arguably Asia’s most successful ever tennis player, and enjoyed another great year in 2012, reaching the final of the Rogers Cup and winning the Western and Southern Open.

Na’s dominance on the Asian circuit means she is a hero on her home continent, and the deals she has with Mercedes-Benz, Samsung, Rolex, Visa and Haagen Dazs has seen her earn £11 million last year.

This article was written by Sam Rigby on behalf of Wimbledon Debenture Holders, the home of corporate Wimbledon tickets for 2013 and beyond.

Topics: Li Na, Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, tennis superstars, top earning tennis players