Tennis is an extremely lucrative sport. Its 20 highest earners have pocketed over $1 billion in prizes.The 10 highest-paid tennis players collectively earned $320 million (Ksh 35 billion) over the last 12 months, down 6% from last year, largely due to tournaments and lucrative exhibition matches being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Forbes' said.
Despite the decrease, the top 10 made more money off court, taking in $281 million from endorsements, or 4% more than the previous year, even with reduced spending by a number of brands.
Tennis players work essentially as independent contractors, without a salary—or a team or a league—to carry them through tough times. And the pain from the event cancellations over the last 18 months goes beyond the missed prize money. With the exception of a few of the biggest stars—Federer and Williams among them—tennis players’ endorsement deals typically include reductions if they don’t meet minimum play requirements.
10. Caroline Wozniacki – $35.2 million (Ksh 3.8 billion)
First on the list is the retired Danish player Caroline Wozinacki, who is a former Australian Open Champion and winner of 30 singles titles. Having never won Wimbledon, Wozniacki is enjoying life's full pleasures after recently giving birth to a baby girl
9. Simona Halep — $37.4 million (Ksh 4 billion)
Romania’s Simona Halep is next on the list. Halep has won one French Open and one Wimbledon title to date and will be hoping to give it the full monty at the championships this year.
8. Maria Sharapova – $38.8 million (Ksh 4.2 billion)
The retired Russian stunner won all four major grand slam titles during her career, winning Wimbledon at just 17 years of age. Since retiring, she's created her own candy brand aptly named Sugarpova - a much-deserved piece of self-indulgence.
7. Venus Williams – $42.1 million (Ksh 4.6 billion)
The 41-year-old American is still going strong, despite slipping down to 103 in the world, she has won seven Grand Slams to date. All the evidence would suggest that she makes for a fine double partner, as well.
6. Pete Sampras – $43.3 million (Ksh 4.7billion)
One of the finest grass court players to play the game, the American was perhaps best known for having the biggest male serve.
5. Andy Murray – $61.8 million (Ksh 6.8 billion)
Murray is the most successful British tennis player of all-time having won three Grand Slams, including twice at Wimbledon. Sadly, hip injuries mean his all-round performance simply isn't as impressive as it once was.
4. Serena Williams – $94.2 million (Ksh 10 billion)
One of the most successful female tennis players having won 23 Grand Slam titles, number 24 constantly proves to be elusive despite repetitive attempts.
3. Rafael Nadal – $123.8 million (Ksh 13.6 billion)
Regarded as ‘The King of Clay’ having conquered Roland Garros 13 times. Despite recently losing to Serbia’s Djokovic in the semi-finals is still very much regarded as his home and will no doubt be back to reclaim the crown.
2. Roger Federer – $130 million (Ksh 14.3 billion)
Arguably everyone’s favourite to watch, the Swiss star is regarded as a terrific shot maker and can very much create something out of nothing. Federer pulled-out of the French Open to focus all his gusto on Wimbledon.
1. Novak Djokovic – $147.7 million (Ksh 16.2 billion)
The Serb heads the list and is now just one slam behind rivals Nadal and Federer. Novak is all about flexibility and is known for his remarkable ability to get into positions that other players wouldn't dare attempt.