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Pulse Sports dives into the fortunes of tennis icons, revealing the surprising financial positions of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Serena Williams among the sport's wealthiest.
Tennis attracts a global audience and generates enormous revenue, making it a lucrative career for those who reach the top.
But who are the wealthiest players to ever grace the court? Pulse Sports looks at the top 10 richest past and present tennis players based on their estimated net worth, combining career earnings, endorsements, and business ventures.
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1. Ion Tiriac (Net Worth) - $2.1 billion
Age: 85
Nationality: Romanian
Source of Wealth: Banking, Insurance, Self-Made
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A former pro, Ion Tiriac is now a highly successful businessman. He is the head of Tiriac Group, a conglomerate with diverse interests spanning real estate, automotive, financial services, and more. The Romanian’s journey into the business world began after retiring from tennis in the 1970s.
Initially, he transitioned into coaching and management, guiding the careers of renowned players like Guillermo Vilas, Marat Safin, and Boris Becker.
Following the fall of communism in Romania, Tiriac seized the opportunity to embark on his investment career, eventually establishing the Tiriac Group.
Beyond his business accomplishments, the 27-time Tour-level champion is known for his impressive collection of cars and motorcycles. This collection, comprising over 400 models, includes vehicles previously owned by notable figures like Al Capone, Sammy Davis Jr., and Elton John.
2. Roger Federer (Net Worth) - $550 million
Age: 43
Nationality: Swiss
Source of Wealth: Tennis, Endorsements
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Despite retiring in 2022, Federer comes in a distant second behind Tiriac, with the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s estimated net worth around 550 million, according to multiple sources.
The retired Swiss player’s influence extends far beyond the tennis court, as evidenced by his unrivalled sponsorship portfolio, and an impressive collection of endorsements that propelled him to the top spot as the world's highest-paid athlete in 2020 and secured him a position among the top 10 in 2023.
His most lucrative partnership is with Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo, a ten-year deal signed in 2018 worth a staggering $300 million.
While Federer's on-court earnings from prize money total a respectable $130 million, his off-court income generated through appearances and endorsements significantly overshadows his tennis winnings, highlighting his immense global appeal and marketability.
3. Serena Williams (Net Worth) - $340 million
Age: 43
Nationality: American
Source of Wealth: Tennis, Self-Made
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Williams, who retired from professional tennis in 2022 after a career that garnered nearly $95 million in prize money, continues to be a force in the business world.
Maintaining endorsement deals with over a dozen brands, she is also actively involved in investing through her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures.
The American co-founded Will Perform, a startup launched in late 2022, focusing on topical pain relief and muscle and skin care products. Further expanding her entrepreneurial endeavours, she launched the multimedia company Nine Two Six Productions in 2023 to further her work as a producer.
In 2024, Williams added a licensing deal with Wyn Beauty cosmetics to her growing portfolio, and the retired star’s diverse ventures demonstrate her successful transition from tennis star to a prominent businesswoman and entrepreneur.
4. Novak Djokovic (Net Worth) – 240 million
Age: 37
Nationality: Serbian
Source of Wealth: Tennis, Endorsements
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The Serbian superstar is a force to be reckoned with on the court, holding the record for most Grand Slam titles in men's singles with 24. His consistent performance and popularity have translated into numerous endorsements and business ventures, contributing to his impressive net worth, estimated to be $240 million by multiple sources.
5. Rafael Nadal – (Net Worth) – 225 million
Age: 38
Nationality: Spanish
Source of Wealth: Tennis, Endorsements
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Widely regarded as the greatest clay-court player of his generation, Nadal dominated the French Open with an unprecedented 14 titles and his 22 Grand Slams overall sits behind Djokovic (24).
Since turning professional in 2001, he has amassed nearly $135 million in prize money, solidifying his position as one of the highest-earning tennis players in history.
Nadal's immense popularity and captivating playing style made him a sought-after figure in the tennis world, allowing him to command appearance fees exceeding $1 million.
In 2016, he expanded his influence by opening the Rafa Nadal Academy in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca, a testament to his commitment to nurturing the next generation of tennis talent.
6. Maria Sharapova (Net Worth) - $180 million
Age: 37
Nationality: Russian
Source of Wealth: Tennis, Self-Made
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Despite retiring in 2020, the five-time Grand Slam champion has flourished in the business world, maintaining lucrative endorsement deals with established brands like Nike and Evian while strategically adding partnerships with emerging startups such as Therabody and Tonal.
Sharapova's investment portfolio has expanded to include stakes in Public.com and the cryptocurrency firm MoonPay, demonstrating her keen interest in diverse and evolving markets.
The Russian also holds a board seat with the fashion company Moncler Group, further solidifying her presence as a businesswoman.
In 2012, Sharapova launched Sugarpova, a premium candy business she owns. While the brand faced challenges in 2016 due to a drug test controversy involving meldonium, a substance she had been taking for a decade for health reasons, the five-time Majors winner has continued to navigate the business landscape, with her diverse ventures and investments showcasing her successful evolution from a renowned tennis star to a savvy businesswoman and investor.
7. Pete Sampras (Net Worth) – 150 million
Age: 53
Nationality: American
Source of Wealth: Tennis, Entrepreneurship
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Sampras was a dominant force in tennis during the late 1990s and early 2000s, shattering records and redefining the financial landscape.
During his prime, the American secured groundbreaking sponsorships with renowned brands like Nike, Wilson, and Movado. These partnerships, allied with his impressive on-court achievements, including 14 Grand Slam titles, solidified his status as a global icon and a highly marketable athlete.
Since retiring from professional tennis, he has diversified his wealth by investing heavily in real estate, with the strategic move reportedly generating substantial returns, further bolstering his already impressive financial standing.
8. Andre Agassi (Net Worth) – 145 million
Age: 54
Nationality: American
Source of Wealth: Tennis, Endorsements, Investments
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The charismatic eight-time Grand Slam champion was known for his powerful groundstrokes before building a substantial fortune after retirement.
While his eight Majors and thrilling matches earned him millions in prize money and endorsements, Agassi's entrepreneurial spirit and savvy investments have significantly contributed to his impressive net worth.
He attracted lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Canon, and these partnerships, combined with his on-court earnings, provided a solid foundation for his financial success.
Agassi's business acumen is evident in the establishment of Agassi Graff Holdings, a company he co-founded with his wife, tennis legend Steffi Graf, with their venture's diverse interests including investment in real estate — luxury resorts, hotels and residential properties.
The retired player's philanthropic endeavour — reflected in giving back with the Andre Agassi Foundation — further enhances his image and contributes to his overall brand value.
The American’s autobiography, "Open”, became a bestseller, generating significant income, further underlining that besides his successful career, his ability to leverage his fame and entrepreneurial inclination with astute and strategic investments boosted his wealth.
9. Andy Murray (Net Worth) – $100 million
Age: 37
Nationality: Scottish
Source of Wealth: Tennis, Endorsements
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A three-time Grand Slam champion, 14-time ATP Masters 1000 winner and two-time Olympic gold medallist in the men's singles events, Murray's career recently ended after the Paris Olympics and he can have no regrets despite an injury-hit final years on Tour.
Apart from his career prize money — $64,687,542 — the retired 46-time Tour level champion’s impressive endorsement portfolio includes well-known brands like Under Armour, Standard Life, Head, and Rado, and he expanded his sponsorship deals by partnering with luxury car manufacturer Jaguar in 2016.
Beyond traditional endorsements, Murray has also taken an active interest in the world of startups, investing in various emerging companies through the crowdfunding platform Seedrs.
He has even acquired a stake in Seedrs, demonstrating his commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
10. John McEnroe (Net Worth) - $100 million
Age: 65
Nationality: American
Source of Wealth: Tennis, Entrepreneurship
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While modern tennis players earn significantly more in prize money, McEnroe has achieved considerable financial success after retiring from professional tennis.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion has had a very successful second career as a tennis commentator for major networks like ESPN, NBC, and the BBC, while appearing on TV shows and in movies, adding to his income.
The American also owns an art gallery in Manhattan and ventured into real estate with his wife, Patty Smyth, and the couple own valuable properties in California.
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