Jannik Sinner tops Forbes' list of highest-paid tennis players

Jannik Sinner leads Forbes' 2026 list of the highest-earning tennis players, a significant achievement for the Italian star. He is estimated to have amassed $58 million over the last 12 months, combining prize money with lucrative commercial deals. This places him ahead of his rival Carlos Alcaraz, who secured the second position with $53.7 million.

While Sinner leads the overall earnings, Alcaraz boasts the highest off-court income among the top players, generating $38 million from endorsements and sponsorships. The list also features a notable presence from tennis legend Serena Williams, who ranks third with $40.1 million. Her earnings come almost entirely from her extensive business ventures and endorsement portfolio, underscoring her continued influence beyond her playing career.

This year's rankings also mark a historic shift: for the first time, women outnumber men in the top 10. Six female players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Iga Świątek, are featured alongside four male players like Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev. This demographic change in the highest earners reflects the growing commercial power and marketability of top female athletes in tennis.

The top 10 players collectively earned $333 million, showcasing the immense financial scale of professional tennis. The inclusion of more women in this elite group signifies a positive trend towards greater financial parity and recognition for female athletes in the sport.