Spaniard Rafael Nadal, 38, whose 22 Grand Slam titles are only surpassed by Novak Djokovic’s 24, is one of the winningest players in the history of the sport.
By magazineeyn.com
Rafael Nadal will play the final tennis tournament of his illustrious career this week, taking to the court to represent his nation in the 2024 Davis Cup.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, whose 22 Grand Slam titles are second only to Novak Djokovic’s 24, is one of the winningest players in the history of the sport. He is also one of the highest earners.
Since his professional debut at age 14 in 2001, Nadal has racked up victories. His career prize money is US$134,946,100, according to ATP Tour data.
Those earnings make him the second-highest-paid tennis player in history, putting him just ahead of rival Roger Federer’s $130.5 million. Only Djokovic’s $185 million in earnings surpasses Nadal’s.
His success on the court also helped fill his bank account off of it. The 14-time French Open champion has grossed an estimated $415 million in endorsements, appearances and other commercial endeavors over the past 23 years. Its long list of brand partners includes companies such as Nike, Kia and Richard Mille.
Nadal’s place on tennis’ all-time prize money leaderboard is secure for the moment. Federer retired in 2022 and No. 4 Andy Murray announced his retirement this summer.
Alexander Zverev is the closest to catching Nadal, but the ATP World No. 2 has a lot of work ahead of him. The 27-year-old will have to take home just under $90 million in prize money to surpass Nadal.
His compatriot Carlos Alcaraz might have the best chance of catching the player he grew up idolizing. Although he is only 21 years old, Alcaraz’s US$36 million in prize money already places him among the top 10 players of all time.
The highest-earning tennis players of all time are Novak Djokovic ($185 million), Rafael Nadal ($134.9 million), Roger Federer ($130.5 million), Andy Murray ($64.8 million) and Alexander Zverev. (US$46 million).
With information from CNBC
