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8 richest tennis stars of 2023, ranked: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams … who has the highest net worth – and how much difference do brand endorsements make?

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are among the world’s greatest – and richest – tennis players. Photos: Instagram/@rafaelnadal, @djokernole; Getty Images
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are among the world’s greatest – and richest – tennis players. Photos: Instagram/@rafaelnadal, @djokernole; Getty Images

  • These world-class champions all raked in millions by winning tournaments – but how much of their wealth came via brand deals from Nike, Adidas, Mercedes-Benz and Kia?
  • Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi achieved a Golden Slam – winning all four Grand Slams plus an Olympic gold – while Serena Williams is the only player to have achieved that feat in both singles and doubles

As one of the most high-profile single-competitor sports, tennis is undoubtedly a lucrative pursuit for those at the top – as seen by the massive prize money and promotional deals players score during their careers. From the likes of Serena Williams to 90s tennis sensation Pete Sampras, tennis has long enjoyed the kind of financial reward that goes with global exposure. As we approach the end of 2023, here’s a rundown of some of the world’s most legendary tennis players, ranked by net worth, according to the number crunchers at Forbes Celebrity Net Worth, and co.

8. Andre Agassi

Estimated net worth: US$145-175 million

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Andre Agassi, seen at the 2006 US Open, was a huge name in tennis through the 90s. Photo: Getty Images
Andre Agassi, seen at the 2006 US Open, was a huge name in tennis through the 90s. Photo: Getty Images

During the 1990s, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras dominated the tennis courts. Millennials will remember Agassi achieving the coveted “golden slam”, winning each of the four grand slam tournaments – Wimbledon, the Australian Open, US Open and French Open – as well as an Olympic gold medal. Agassi’s total prize money earnings for singles and doubles stands at over US$31 million, per official ATP Tour stats. This excludes his endorsement deals. He is married to fellow pro player and 90s tennis darling Steffi Graf. Together, they own Agassi Graf Holdings. His brand deals have included endorsements with Nike and Adidas. All of which adds up to a cool US$140 million-plus net worth.

7. Pete Sampras

Estimated net worth: US$150-160 million

Pete Sampras, another 90s tennis icon, looked emotional on announcing his retirement in 2003. Photo: AP Photo
Pete Sampras, another 90s tennis icon, looked emotional on announcing his retirement in 2003. Photo: AP Photo

Sampras’ career spanned one and a half decades, during which he dominated grand slams and earned over US$43 million in singles and doubles prize money. At one point Sampras had his own California-based management company, Pure Sports Management, managed by his brother Gus Sampras. In a 1991 interview with The New York Times, Sampras said: “It’s nice to make the money, but that’s not what my tennis is all about.” Sampras’ endorsements from Nike alone are estimated to have brought in at least US$100 million, per Sports Illustrated.

6. Maria Sharapova

Estimated net worth: US$180-225 million

Maria Sharapova, pictured in September this year. Photo: AP Photo
Maria Sharapova, pictured in September this year. Photo: AP Photo