Game, Set, Earnings: List of Top 10 Highest-Paid WTA Players of 2023

Tennis players maintain their stronghold atop the earnings charts, with WTA athletes claiming nine out of the 15 slots among the highest-paid female athletes. This sets the stage for a new leader, as three WTA players vie for the coveted No. 1 spot.

Coco Gauff emerged victorious in the list of Top 10 Highest-Paid WTA Players, surpassing Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu with an estimated $22.7 million from a combination of prize money and endorsements in 2023. Gauff, a 19-year-old sensation, secured her first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open, triggering substantial bonuses from sponsors like New Balance and Head.

The era of the highest-paid female athlete title being dominated by tennis legends Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Naomi Osaka has come to an end. Williams retired the previous year, Sharapova bid farewell to the sport in 2020, and Osaka took a hiatus in 2023 following the birth of her daughter, Shai, putting a pause on several lucrative endorsement deals.

Notably, Naomi Osaka, absent from competitive tennis since September 2022, secured a spot in the ranking. Osaka’s earnings of $15 million in 2023 were derived from her endorsement deals, showcasing the enduring impact of her marketability despite her temporary absence from the court.

In this blog, we journey through the careers of the top 10 highest-earning female tennis players in 2023, exploring their professional achievements and the unique edge they bring to the sport. Whether you’re a tennis lover or a casual fan, these stories of perseverance, talent, and passion are sure to inspire and captivate. Join us as we dive into Women’s tennis and celebrate these most remarkable stars.

1: Coco Gauff

$22.7 Million: Prize money $6.7 million | Endorsements $16 million

19-year-old American star Coco Gauff’s meteoric rise in 2023 culminated in her earning the coveted title of the highest-paid female athlete, amassing a staggering $22.7 million from prize money and endorsements. Gauff’s remarkable achievements include clinching her first Grand Slam at the U.S. Open and winning four titles in total.

Beyond her singles prowess, Gauff is a rare gem, actively participating in doubles with partner Jessica Pegula. Her highest earning event in 2023 was the US Open in singles ($3 million) and the Australian Open and French Open in doubles (A$370,000 & €295,000).

Before her recent achievements, she had established long-term partnerships with Head, the renowned racket maker, as well as the Italian pasta giant Barilla and athletic brand New Balance. These existing collaborations remain intact, and she expanded her sponsorship portfolio in the current year by welcoming new sponsors such as Bose, UPS, and the accounting firm Baker Tilly. Additionally, Rolex continues to be a steadfast partner, and following her triumph at the Open, she engaged in promotional campaigns for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and The Marvel movie.

2: Iga Swiatek

$21.9 Million: Prize money $9.9 million | Endorsements $12 million

Świątek, hailing from Poland, concluded the year at the summit of the WTA rankings for the second consecutive season, unlocking bonuses from her endemic partners. Her remarkable achievements include clinching her third French Open title and securing her fourth Grand Slam overall, which includes the 2022 U.S. Open triumph.

Adding to her list of accomplishments, she emerged victorious at the lucrative year-end WTA Finals, earning a substantial winner’s purse of $3.1 million. Notably, Swiss brand On partnered with 22 years old Świątek this year to support the launch of its tennis program, complementing her existing agreements with Infosys, Visa, Tecnifibre, Polish insurer PZU, as well as prestigious brands like Rolex and Porsche Poland.

3: Emma Raducanu

$16.2Million: Prize money $238,000 | Endorsements $16 million

Raducanu has faced setbacks due to injuries and a dip in performance following her impressive victory as a qualifier at the 2021 U.S. Open. Limited to participating in just five events in 2023, this led to a substantial reduction in her Nike payout, aligning with the standard practice of tennis sneakers and apparel contracts that often include minimum play requirements.

Despite these challenges, Raducanu maintains her name in the Top 10 Highest-Paid WTA Players. Her robust portfolio of non-endemic sponsors values the versatile U.K.-Canada citizen fluent in Mandarin. Notably, 21 the British star secured multiyear partnerships with HSBC, Tiffany, British Airways, Christian Dior, Vodafone, Porsche, and Evian following her breakthrough at the Open.

4: Naomi Osaka

$15 Million: Prize money $0 | Endorsements $15 million

Despite not participating in any events since September 2022, 26-year-old Japanese star Osaka is anticipated to make a comeback on the courts by the end of the month in Brisbane, Australia. In 2023, she significantly scaled back her sponsor commitments; however, three months ago, she welcomed a new partner into her fold.

Meta collaborated with Osaka to create her own AI chatbot character named Tamika. Other notable personalities with AI counterparts on certain Meta platforms include Snoop Dogg, Tom Brady, Kendall Jenner, and Dwyane Wade.

5: Aryna Sabalenka

$12.2 Million: Prize money $8.2 million | Endorsements $4 million

25-year-old Belarusian Sabalenka showcased dominance throughout 2023, standing out as the sole woman to reach the semifinals in all four Grand Slam events. Her achievements included clinching victory at the Australian Open and securing a runner-up finish at the U.S. Open.

In September, she attained the prestigious status of being the 29th woman to ever hold the No. 1 ranking. Notably, most of Sabalenka’s earnings stem from her partnership with Nike. Despite concluding the year as the second-ranked player globally, her outstanding performances solidified her status as a formidable force in the world of tennis.

6: Elena Rybakina

$9.5 Million: Prize Money $6 million | Endorsements $3.5 million

Following her Wimbledon triumph in 2022, Rybakina continued her winning streak with victories at two WTA 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Rome this year. Additionally, she achieved a commendable runner-up finish at the Australian Open.

In 2023, 24-year-old Elena made a notable change, transitioning from Adidas to Yonex as her clothing sponsor, and she also adopted a Yonex racket. Among her diverse partnerships, Red Bull and Bank RBK stand out as prominent collaborators in her successful journey.

7: Jessica Pegula

$9 Million: Prize money $6 million | Endorsements $3 million

29-year-old American star Pegula, although she hasn’t advanced beyond the quarterfinals in a Grand Slam event, concluded the year as the fifth-ranked player globally, owing to her triumphs in 77% of her matches and securing two tournament titles.

Her main endorsement comes from Adidas, and she also serves as a representative for Yonex and Ready Nutrition. Notably, Pegula wears multiple hats as the founder of the skincare line Ready 24. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that she is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, the owners of the Buffalo Bills.

8: Leylah Fernandez

$6.1 Million: Prize money $1.1 million | Endorsements $5 million

Fernandez burst onto the scene with her 2021 U.S. Open finals appearance which attracted the attention of marketers. 21 years old the Canadian has more than 10 endorsement partners, including Lululemon, Morgan Stanley, Subway, Google, and Gatorade.

9: Ons Jabeur

$5.7 Million: Prize money $3.2 million | Endorsements $2.5 million

In 2023, Jabeur made it to her second consecutive Wimbledon final and concluded the season as the sixth-ranked player globally. 29-year-old star Originating from Tunisia, she holds the distinction of being the first African and Arab woman to compete in a major singles final and the only Arab girl in the Top 10 Highest-Paid WTA Players ever.

Jabeur boasts endorsements with Lotto, Wilson, and Laval, showcasing her appeal to prominent brands in the tennis world. Adding to her achievements, she is set to receive an appearance fee in Saudi Arabia at the end of December.

10: Marketa Vondrousova

$5.5Million: Prize money $4 million | Endorsements $1.5 million

In 2023, Marketa Vondrousova’s net worth stands at $5 million, and her tennis career has garnered her approximately $4 million in prize money. The pinnacle of her fame arrived with a victory at the 2023 Wimbledon Open which made her debut in the Top 10 Highest-Paid WTA Players.

Renowned for her skill in executing topspin forehand shots during singles matches, Vondrousova extends her prowess to doubles titles, often partnering with Kristina Mladenovic. She is notable for employing long-range rallies in her game strategy. Beyond the court, Marketa boosts her income through brand endorsements, collaborating with renowned names such as Nike, Yonex, and Stratos Altos.