Forbes has released its 2026 global ranking of the highest-earning tennis players, and for the first time, female athletes outnumber male players in the top ten. The top ten earners accumulated a combined total of approximately $333 million over the past year, representing a 17% increase from the $285 million recorded in 2025, according to published financial figures.
Jannik Sinner Claims Top Spot with $58 Million
ATP men’s singles world number one Jannik Sinner leads the global tennis earnings list at age 25, pulling in approximately $58 million over the past year. Sinner’s income combines his on-court earnings with major endorsement deals featuring Italian luxury and consumer brands, including Gucci, De Cecco, and Lavazza. His standing atop the financial leaderboard reflects a modern model where elite competitors earn substantial revenues off the court alongside their tournament prize money.
Zheng Qinwen Ranks Seventh Driven by Off-Court Endorsements
Zheng Qinwen occupies the seventh spot on the Forbes list with an estimated annual income of $26 million. The vast majority of Zheng’s earnings—totaling $22 million—stem from commercial endorsements with domestic Chinese brands and major international companies. As one of the most globally competitive players from China since Li Na, her commercial portfolio highlights the intersection of China’s expanding sports market and global brand localization strategies.
Serena Williams Leads Top Tennis Earners
The financial threshold to break into the top ten begins with Elena Rybakina at number ten, who brought in roughly $14.7 million following her victory at the WTA Finals in November, which included a $5.2 million prize. Alexander Zverev ranks ninth, Iga Swiatek sits at eighth, and Novak Djokovic holds the sixth position. Coco Gauff places fifth with $35.5 million from more than ten endorsement partners, while Aryna Sabalenka ranks fourth.
Serena Williams sits at third with an annual income of $40.1 million—$40 million of which is generated off the court—bringing her estimated net worth to $400 million through partnerships with global athletic and luxury brands. Carlos Alcaraz places second on the list, serving as a primary commercial leader for men’s tennis with significant audience appeal across European and Latin American markets.
