his year’s U.S. Open will be missing some of its most famous faces, including veterans Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, as well as 27-year-old Dominic Thiem, last year’s men’s champion. But no matter who wins the tournament—and its $2.5 million top prize—it will mean little to the upper ranks of tennis’ highest-paid players, who more than make up for any dip in prize money with their paydays from endorsements.
Collectively, tennis’ ten highest-paid players made $320 million over the last 12 months, down 6% from last year’s total of $340 million in large part because the pandemic eliminated opportunities for players to collect both prize money and appearance fees, which can run into the millions for superstars willing to show up at exhibitions and lower-profile tournaments.
at the U.S. Open this year to help out lower-ranked players who may be struggling. While the total prize money pool is up to a record $57.5 million, the payout for each singles champion has been cut to $2.5 million, down 17% from last year and 35% from 2019. Meanwhile, players who lose in the first round will take home $75,000, up from $61,000 last year, and second-round losers will get a $15,000 raise, to $115,000.
nice