🎾 How much does a pro tennis player make?
Most lower-ranked pros win under $30,000 a year in prize money; the U.S. median for athletes across sports is $66,710; top American Coco Gauff earned an estimated $37.2 million in 2025.
Prize money rises sharply with wins, and stars add sponsorship income, so earnings are very top-heavy.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most lower-ranked pros (prize money) | $0–$30,000 | 2025 WTA prize-money leaderboard; prize money only |
| Typical employed athlete (all sports, not tennis-only) | $66,710 | BLS May 2025 median for athletes and sports competitors |
| Top American tennis stars Coco Gauff (estimated $37.2 million in 2025) | $37.2M | Forbes estimate: $12.2M on court plus $25M off court |
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| Most lower-ranked pros (prize money) | $0–$2,500 | $0–$82 |
| Typical employed athlete (all sports, not tennis-only) | $5,559 | $183 |
| Top American tennis stars | $3.1M | $101,918 |
Where does the money come from?
- Tournament prize money: Players earn prize money based on their results in singles, doubles, and other events. Source
- Sponsorships: Brand sponsorships and endorsements can bring players money away from the court. Source
- Appearances and licensing: Some players also earn money from appearances, licensing, and memorabilia. Source
- ATP financial support: Eligible men's ATP players may receive minimum-income or injury support through Baseline. Source
How pay changes with experience
| Stage | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ATP men's singles ranks 176–250 (eligible players) | $100,000 Estimate | 2025 minimum threshold; eligible players had to finish 2024 in the Top 250 and play at least 15 events. (Source) |
| ATP men's singles ranks 101–175 (eligible players) | $200,000 Estimate | 2025 minimum threshold; eligible players had to finish 2024 in the Top 250 and play at least 15 events. (Source) |
| ATP men's singles Top 100 (eligible players) | $300,000 Estimate | 2025 minimum threshold; eligible players had to finish 2024 in the Top 250 and play at least 15 events. (Source) |
What famous pro tennis players make
| Who | Amount |
|---|---|
| 🎾 Naomi Osaka Professional tennis player | $12.5M (2025) Counting prize money and sponsorships, Osaka earned about $12.5 million in 2025, and about $57.3 million at her 2021 peak. |
| 🎾 Serena Williams Tennis champion | $40.1M (2026) Forbes estimates Serena Williams earned $40.1 million over the past year and puts her wealth at $400 million in 2026. |
| Coco Gauff | $37.2M (2025) Estimate Estimated total earnings over 12 months in 2025 (Source) |
How do you become a pro tennis player?
In the United States, start with a coach and build up from USTA team challenges to junior events. You can keep playing through high school or college, or try ITF pro events once you are 14. Win matches, improve your ranking, and work toward ATP or WTA events.
- Learn with a coach and build basic tennis skills.
- Get match experience in a USTA Team Challenge.
- Play junior tournaments and build results and rankings.
- Choose college tennis or enter an ITF pro event from age 14.
- Build results on the ITF tour and aim for ATP/WTA events.
Qualifications and exams
No formal educational credential is typically required. The 2026 ITF World Tennis Tour bars players under 14; USTA-sanctioned events generally require USTA membership, with entry-level exceptions.
A day as a pro tennis player
A player practices shots with a coach and works on fitness. On match day, they follow the game plan and compete under the rules. Afterward, they care for their equipment and get ready for the next practice.
Common questions
Does prize money change by round?
Yes. The 2025 US Open singles table listed $110,000 for the R128 (first-round) spot and $5,000,000 for the champion. Source
Can sponsors pay tennis players too?
Yes. Sponsorship and endorsement deals can be a major source of income away from the court. Source
Do doubles players earn prize money?
Yes. The 2025 US Open paid prize money in men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles; winning teams split the prize. Source
Who pays for travel to tournaments?
Players often pay for their own travel and traveling staff. Some events provide or subsidize lodging, but players may need to cover lodging at lower-level events. Source
Is there help for injured players?
ATP's Baseline program provided income protection to support players returning from injury in 2024. It is support for eligible players, not a benefit for everyone. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
Close jobs in official statistics
In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most lower-ranked pros (prize money) | $0–$30,000 | 2025 WTA prize list; yen conversion at 2025 average exchange rate |
| Eligible ATP top-250 men (minimum guarantee) | $100,000–$300,000 | ATP 2025 minimum guarantee; converted at 2025 average exchange rate |
| Top Japanese star (Forbes estimate) Naomi Osaka (estimated ¥1.87 billion in 2025) | $12.47M | Forbes 2025 earnings estimate; converted at 2025 average exchange rate |
Related questions
Jobs in the same group
Data table and sources
- www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/athletes-and-sports-competitors.htm
- wtafiles.wtatennis.com/pdf/rankings/PrizeMoney/prize_money_2025.pdf
- www.atptour.com/en/news/baseline-december-2024
- www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2025/08/22/the-worlds-highest-paid-tennis-playe
- www.forbes.com/profile/naomi-osaka/
- data.worldbank.org/indicator/PA.NUS.FCRF?locations=JP
- www.usta.com/en/home/play/usa-tennis/player-pathway.html
- www.usta.com/en/home/play/youth-tennis/programs/national/eligibility.html
- www.itftennis.com/media/15544/2026-wtt-regulations.pdf
- www.atptour.com/en/news/us-open-2025-prize-money