Rafael Nadal: Tennis Legend Retires as the Second-Highest Paid Player in History

Rafael Nadal: Tennis Legend Retires as the Second-Highest Paid Player in History

How Much He Earned On and Off the Court

Rafael Nadal, the 38-year-old Spanish tennis legend, will compete in his final professional tournament at the 2024 Davis Cup this week, concluding one of the sport’s most remarkable careers. With 22 Grand Slam titles, second only to Novak Djokovic’s 24, Nadal is celebrated for his dominance on the court and ranks among the highest-earning tennis players in history.

Nadal’s Place Among the Wealthiest Tennis Players

Since his professional debut in 2001 at the age of 14, Nadal has amassed $134.9 million in career prize money, making him the second-highest-paid player of all time, trailing only Novak Djokovic ($185 million). He edges out Roger Federer, who retired with $130.5 million in winnings.

Off the court, Nadal’s financial success is equally impressive. Over the past 23 years, he has earned approximately $415 million from endorsements and business ventures, working with brands such as Nike, Kia, and Richard Mille.

Nadal’s position among the sport’s top earners remains secure, with many contemporaries, such as Federer and Andy Murray, having already retired. Younger players like Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz have a long way to go to match Nadal’s earnings. Alcaraz, at just 21 years old, has already earned $36 million in prize money, placing him in the top 10 of all-time highest earners.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Tennis Players of All Time
  1. Novak Djokovic: $185 million

  2. Rafael Nadal: $134.9 million

  3. Roger Federer: $130.5 million

  4. Andy Murray: $64.8 million

  5. Alexander Zverev: $46 million

  6. Pete Sampras: $43.2 million

  7. Daniil Medvedev: $43 million

  8. Stan Wawrinka: $37.2 million

  9. Carlos Alcaraz: $36.1 million

  10. Stefanos Tsitsipas: $32.1 million

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