Tennis might be a solo sport, but when it comes to making money, it’s often a team effort involving agents, endorsement deals, and lots of cameras. While prize money can rack up over time, some players have discovered that swinging a racquet isn’t nearly as profitable as smiling for a watch ad.
From iconic champions to fan favorites with significant social media presence, these players have managed to earn more from brand deals, fashion lines, and off-court ventures than they ever did from winning matches. Let’s count down the top 20 tennis players who cashed in big-time without even setting foot on the baseline.
20. Eugenie Bouchard
Her tennis results may have cooled off, but her social media following stayed hot. Bouchard locked in endorsement deals that far outpaced her on-court earnings.
19. Anna Kournikova
She never won a singles title, but she was the face of tennis for years. Her modeling gigs and brand deals earned her one of the highest salaries of her time.
18. Kei Nishikori
A hero in Japan, Nishikori attracted massive sponsorships from global brands. His off-court income consistently dwarfed his tournament winnings.
17. Frances Tiafoe
Tiafoe’s charisma and unique story made him marketable from the start. His endorsements quickly began to catch up to, and surpass, his prize money.
16. Maria Sharapova
Before and after her suspension, Sharapova knew how to build a brand. From candy lines to luxury endorsements, she turned her image into a financial powerhouse.
15. Caroline Wozniacki
Known for her consistent play and even more consistent presence in magazines and ads, Wozniacki raked in off-court deals throughout her career. Her partnerships often paid better than her WTA checks.
14. Matteo Berrettini
Berrettini’s model looks and Italian charm made him a magnet for luxury brands. Even when injuries kept him off the court, his endorsement deals stayed strong.
13. Naomi Osaka
She’s been a Grand Slam champion and a mental health advocate, and brands have taken notice. Her massive endorsements made her one of the wealthiest athletes in the world at her peak.
12. Nick Kyrgios
Even when he wasn’t winning, Kyrgios was trending. His personality alone earned him significant off-court attention and deals.
11. Venus Williams
Venus made a name for herself in tennis, but she also excelled in fashion lines and business ventures. Her brand had serious longevity beyond the game.
10. Marcos Baghdatis
A cult favorite, Baghdatis didn’t need major titles to become marketable. In Cyprus and beyond, his likability secured significant sponsorships.
9. Heather Watson
Watson has been steady on the court, but often even more impressive off it. Fashion campaigns and commercial work added serious padding to her income.
8. Fabio Fognini
Fognini’s fiery style and Italian charm were marketing gold. He made more from looking good in ads than most players did from grinding on the court.
7. Andy Roddick
Roddick retired early but stayed wildly relevant through commercials, commentary, and business deals. His off-court earnings didn’t skip a beat.
6. Camila Giorgi
Giorgi’s modeling work sometimes overshadowed her tennis results. Her fashion-forward style and influencer status continued to generate revenue.
5. Roger Federer
No surprise here—Federer is arguably the king of off-court cash. His endorsements with luxury brands made him the highest-paid tennis player for years.
4. Serena Williams
Serena’s legacy is unmatched, and so is her business portfolio. Between fashion, media, and venture capital, she turned off-court into a goldmine.
3. Stan Wawrinka
Stan may not be flashy, but brands love his dependable image. His sponsorships often padded his bank account more than any trophy.
Read More: Ranking the 30 Best Male Tennis Players of All Time
2. Andre Agassi
Even before social media, Agassi was a marketing dream. He was one of the first players to capitalize on fame outside the sport entirely.
Read More: 20 Tennis Players Who Were Way More Popular Than Their Records
1. Rafael Nadal
Between cologne ads, luxury watches, and a global appeal, Nadal cleaned up off the court. Even with all his titles, it’s the endorsements that stacked the cash.
Read More: 15 Tennis Stars Whose Self-Importance Reached Hall of Fame Levels
