Women in sports always found it hard to make their progression. However, in recent times, women have made name for themselves in the sports industry. Not only that women in sports have started taking over men and asking for equality every time they step on the field. Therefore this gives us the opportunity to speak about all those Iconic Images In Women Sport that made the change. SportzPoint recognizes the efforts of all of the women who made historical moves for the betterment of women in sports. If you have not checked our previous episodes of "Women In Sports", check it here.

In the fifth episode of Women In Sports, we will list out the top 15 iconic images in women sport, that inspired the whole world.

Women In Sports: 15 Iconic Images In Women Sport

There are tons of moments in women sports that needs the love, appreciation and respect from all around the world. Every women who tried to bring a change should be applauded. However, we have tired to list out those moments that was iconic in the sense that made a change. Or you can say it promotes the women power and real feminism in the women sport.

Disclaimer: The photos are randomly ranked, every photo is valuable and should not be compared to each other. Also, we do not own the photos presented here. We have tried to give credit to all of the owner or photographer (if known). Yet, if someone has any information about the real owner or the photographer, kindly contact us.

Brandi Chastain and the famous sports bra

In the 1999 Women's World Cup final against China, the game was even till the last penalty. USA's Brandi Chastain scored the final penalty to make the scoreline 5-4 for them and celebrated like one "Man" would do. Her celebration was perfect the perfect example of having a strong, equal mindset. That moment made sure women all around the world could be as strong and look as athletic as men.

"casting off the burden of everything that kept us down and said, 'You can't do that because you are a woman.' It was a moment that screamed, 'Yes, I can.'" : Marlene Bjornsrud

Kerri Strug and 1996 Olympics

The USA gymnastics team were in the verge of winning their first ever gold in 1996 Atlanta Games. But, their gymnast Kerri Strug was injured. During her volt, she had torn her medial and lateral ligaments in the ankle and could not even move. With 9.493 needed in the last attempt, Strug competed with a broken ankle and score 9.712 for the USA team to win their first ever gold in gymnastics. The image shows how Strug was carried by coach Karolyi on to the podium.

"The Olympics is about more than gold medals. It's about human spirit, the heart and the drive that a lot of athletes have and human beings have in general,"– Strug on that moment.

Billie Jean King and the "battle of the sexes"

A 29 year old female tennis player Billie Jean King battled Bobby Riggs, a 55 year old male tennis player in 1973 at the Houston Astrodome. King won the game in three straight sets making it one of the greatest moments in sports history. This is one of the most the most iconic moment in battle for the equality among he sexes.

London Olympics 2012 and a Victory for Women

London Olympics was called the "Women's Game" as there were women from every single country competing in the game. This picture makes the gender-equality movement strong and inspires everyone to take up the game as a woman or girl. Thus, this had to be one of the most iconic images in women sport.

Katherine Switzer and the Boston Marathon

Katherine Switzer was one of the first women in the world who stood for the gender-equality rights. Till 1967 women were barred from running the marathon. They are told to be not strong enough to run the longest. But, Katherine never thought that way. In 1967 she registered herself as KV Switzer to run the Boston Marathon. The image shows how an official tried to stop her. But with the help of a body block from her boyfriend, Switzer evaded the official and finished the race in four hours 20 minutes. The moment is said to the ground-breaking moment for the women's rights movement.

Read Also: Women In Sports: Female Firsts In Every Sport

Serena Willams and the 23rd Grand Slam

Named as the "Queen of Tennis", Serena is a legend of the game. The image reflects the moment when she beat her own sister Venus to win her 23rd Grand Slam title in 2017. This is an open era record with men and women included. Serena was also two weeks pregnant at that time. She told that she got to know about the pregnancy only before the start of the tournament.

This is one of the Iconic Images In Women Sport when we talk about female athletes and motherhood.

Read Also: Most Grand Slam Titles in Women's Tennis (active players) 2021

Ada Hegerberg and the Ballon d'Or

In 2018, Ada Hegerbreg became the first female Ballon d'Or winner. This was the first time the Ballon d'Or Féminin was introduced. It is not the fact here. Perhaps, the actual fact of that picture is, after that award, she refused to play for the Norway team in the Women's World Cup as there is no equal pay structure for the female footballers even after the success.

Ronda Rousey and the UFC.

In 2012, Ronda Rousey became the first-ever female mixed-martial art fighter to be signed by UFC. This photo is also about strength and gender equality in women in sports.
Even, it was told that Ronda was as strong as anyone in the men's division with the same weight category.

Japan and the 2011 Women's World Cup

In 2011, Japan Women's National Football Team won the FIFA Women's World Cup. They became the first ever Asian team (men or women) to win any football world cup. Against all the odds, the Japan girls showed what actual determination and hard work means.

Mary Kom – The World Champion

This might be one of the inspirational pictures in the recent history of women in sports in India. Mary Kom, 35 wins the World Boxing Championship for the record sixth time. Tears in her eyes suggest how much it meant to her and the whole nation. She returned to the ring after giving berth to her third child.

Read Also: Indian Boxers who qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020

The Sister Survivors

This is regarded as one of the most iconic moment in the battle with sexual abuse in women's sport. More than 150 female players gave their witness as USA Gymnastic doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to 175 years in jail for sexually abusing players during his work time.

The image is clicked when all of the 150 women were felicitated at the 2018 ESPYS. This moment is called, "a portrait of survival, a new vision of courage".

This is one of the most Iconic Images In Women Sport when one talks about fights against sexual abuse.

Megan Rapinoe and the "Iconic Celebration"

Megan Rapione is one of the most famous female soccer players in the world and advocate of LGBTQ community. After scoring two goals in the quarter-final against France in the 2019 Women's World Cup, she struck that pose.

That moment was to celebrate the win against inequality and fight for the right. The USA women's team had filed a lawsuit for equal pay before the 2019 Women's World Cup. That is said to be the one of most iconic images in Women's World Cup history.

Read here story here: Women In Sports: Female Soccer Players Who Inspired The World

Danica Patrick: Indy Car Race 2008

So, how many times you have heard this, "women can't drive". Rather they can and they can drive fast as well. In 2008, 26-year-old Danica Patrick wins the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi in Motegi, Japan.

Danica made history by becoming the first ever female to win the IndyCar racing history.

Read her full story here.

Mo'ne Davis and Little League World Series

In 2014, Mo'ne Davis became the first-ever African-American girl to play in the Little League World Series. The Acer from Pennsylvania was also the first girl to pitch a complete-game shutout in Williamsport. This photo was in the Sports-Illustrated Cover as well. This is one of the Iconic Images In Women Sport or baseball history.

Read Also: Women In Sports: Female Coaches In PRO Baseball and MLB

Kimia Alizadeh Zenoorin: Rio Olympics 2016

Iran is one of the most conservative countries when it comes to women sports. But, when the final buzzer rang in the bronze medal bout in the 57-kg category, women's sports history was changed forever. The 18-year old Taekwondo athlete became the first-ever Iranian female athlete to win an Olympic Medal, in Rio Olympics 2016.

This iconic picture is all about grit, passion and courage. Though, women sports in Iran is still facing major issues. Though, this was a start indeed.

All of the pictures above are iconic in their own way. Every photo describes the fight, heart and soul of every women athlete in the world. There are still hundreds of iconic photos in women's sports. We will try to cover all of them in our series Women in sports.

The US Open is one of the most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments in a tennis calendar year. A title at the Flushing Meadows is a matter of pride for any tennis player. Since the dawn of the Open Era in 1968, the US Open has stood as one of the toughest battlegrounds in tennis. It has been played on hard courts since 1978, making it a true test of speed, stamina, and shot-making. The US Open is not only a highlight of the tennis calendar but also one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.

The tournament has gone on to witness several players crowned as champions. They have had proved both mental strength and physical prowess.

Let's have a look the male and female singles tennis players with most US Open titles.

Also Read: US Open Champion: Last 10 years List (Men)

Most US Open Titles (Male and Female)

10. Martina Navratilova | 4

Martina Navratilova, famous for her attacking game and net play. She was a complete player who could adapt to different conditions and was a fierce rival to Chris Evert. Navratilova’s rivalry with Evert remains one of the greatest in tennis history. 

Navratilova won four of the eight finals she featured in at the US Open from 1981 to 1991. To secure her titles, the Czech-American great beat Chris Evert in 1983 and 1984, Helena Sukova in 1986 and Steffi Graf in 1987.

9. Novak Djokovic | 4

Similar to Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic was also a part of the famous “Big Three,” which collectively dominated men’s tennis for nearly two decades. Djokovic won his first US Open in 2011, defeating Rafael Nadal. He followed this with victories in 2015, 2018, and 2023.

His 24 Grand Slam titles are the most in history, and when combined with the Australian Open, Djokovic has a record 14 major championship titles on the hard court. 

8. Rafael Nadal | 4

Rafael Nadal is often regarded as one of the most decorated professional tennis players in the sport’s history. He holds a place alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the famous “Big Three”.

While he is best known for his phenomenal achievements on the clay at Roland-Garros, the Spaniard has four championships in the United States and a fantastic 4-1 record in the final. Nadal’s first US Open victory came in 2010, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. His incredible physicality and relentless style of play have served him well at Flushing Meadows, leading to further victories in 2013, 2017, and 2019. 

7. John McEnroe | 4

John McEnroe is another of the great American players who thrived at his home major along with Sampras and Connors. Like Nadal, he made five US Open finals and won four of them. 

He dominated his home turf, winning four titles during the early 1980s. His four finals produced wins against Vitas Gerulaitis, fierce rival Björn Borg (twice) and Ivan Lendl, before Lendl turned the tables on him in 1985.

6. Roger Federer | 5

Roger Federer not only won the US Open five times, but he achieved this feat in five consecutive years. Between 2004 and 2008, Federer won five successive US Open singles titles, a feat unmatched by any player in the Open Era at the tournament. 

From 2003 to 2007, he also won the Wimbledon title five times on-the-trot, a record only matched by Bjorn Borg. No other tennis player has won two separate Grand Slams five times in-a-row.

Also Read: US Open 2025: Stars to Watch Out– Youth vs Experience

5. Pete Sampras | 5

Pete Sampras was known for his serve, often considered the greatest in the history of tennis. He won US Open five times (1990, 1993, 1995-96, 2002). In a fairytale ending, Sampras’ 2002 US Open victory was the final match of his 15-year career. Sampras’ thunderous serve and fearless net play made him nearly unstoppable in New York.

4. Steffi Graf | 5

Steffi Graf prevailed in five of the eight title matches she contested at the US Open between 1987 and 1996. For her championship match victories, the German icon overcame Gabriela Sabatini in 1988, Navratilova in 1989, Sukova in 1993, and Monica Seles in 1995 and 1996.

3. Jimmy Connors | 5

The fierce Jimmy Connors won eight major singles championships, which included a joint-record five US Opens. His five US Open titles were won across three different surfaces: grass, clay, and hard courts. He finished as the year-end No.1 five times in his career.

2. Serena Williams | 6

Serena Williams claimed six titles from the nine finals she reached at her home Grand Slam across a 20-year period from 1999 to 2019. In her successful title matches, Williams downed Martina Hingis in 1999, Venus Williams in 2002, Jelena Jankovic in 2008, Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013, and Caroline Wozniacki in 2014.

Also Read: US Open Champion: Last 10 years list (Women)

1. Chris Evert | 6

Evert was the first woman to win more than three US Open titles in the Open Era. She won six of the nine championship matches she competed in between 1975 and 1984. For her wins in finals, Evert defeated Goolagong in 1975 and 1976, Wendy Turnbull in 1977, Pam Shriver in 1978 and Hana Mandlikova in 1980 and 1982. 

The American legend is the only woman to win the US Open on different surfaces: green clay (1975-1977) and hard courts (1978, 1980 and 1982).

The UEFA European Women's Championship, also called the UEFA Women's Euro, is the primary association football competition between the senior women’s national teams from Europe, held every four years. 

England beat Spain on penalties to clinch the Women’s EURO 2025 title at St. Jakob Park in Basel, Switzerland. This is England’s second European title, following its win over Germany in the previous edition. Let's have a look at the UEFA Women's EURO past winners and most successful teams.

Also Read: Who is Tobin Heath? Two-time World Cup champion retires from football

UEFA Women's EURO | First Edition Winner

The first edition of the tournament was played in 1984 in a very different format, with no host nation and just four teams participating. England and Sweden met in the final, played over two legs on a home and away basis.

It ended 1-1 on aggregate, leading to a penalty shootout at Kenilworth Road in London. In true English fashion, the home side would miss twice, allowing Sweden to win 4-3 on penalties and win the first ever women's Euros.

2025 Women's Euros Winner

England successfully defended its Women’s European Championship title by beating world champion Spain in a shootout in the final in Basel, Switzerland.

It was back-to-back European trophies for England and yet another final that Kelly had a huge impact on, after also coming on as a substitute during the Euro 2022 trophy match and scoring the winner against Germany in extra time to clinch a 2-1 victory.

UEFA Women's EURO | Past Winners

Also Read: How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup?

UEFA Women's EURO | Most Successful Teams

Germany are the most successful team in women's Euros history, having won eight tournaments, including six in a row between 1995-2013. Overall, five different countries have won the women's Euros, but Germany and Norway remain the only winners of more than one edition of the tournament.

• Germany: 8 (1989, 1991, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013)
• Norway: 2 (1987, 1993)
• Sweden: 1 (1984)
• Netherlands: 1 (2017)
• England: 1 (2022)

The race to be top scorer at the Women's EURO 2025 in Switzerland is a fascinating one. The tournament has started from 2 July and will continue till 27 July.

Four weeks of women’s continental football culminate this weekend in Switzerland, where the reigning European champions and world champions respectively face off at Basel’s St. Jakob-Park.

Also Read: UEFA Women's EURO Past Winners and most successful teams

Women's EURO 2025 Final

England and Spain will face off each other in the Women’s EURO 2025 final on 27 July with Spain coming out on top to win the tournament in 2024.

The two nations met in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final just under two years ago, both contesting their maiden final in Australia. Olga Carmona’s first half strike settled the score to crown the Spaniards world champions in Sydney, on the same grounds that hosted the Olympic Games Sydney 2000.

Spain have shown that they can beat England when it matters on the big stage, while the Lionesses will be desperate to exact revenge. Wiegman’s side have won their last two EUROs encounters against their opponents, including in the quarter-finals en route to their 2022 title.

Also Read: Greatest football XI of all-time: Lamine Yamal keeps Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar in his team

Women's EURO 2025 Top Scorer List

Spain forward Esther González tops the list of UEFA Women's EURO 2025 top goalscorer with 4 goals to her name. Esther registered twice in the world champions' opening 5-0 win against Portugal then struck again in their handsome 6-2 success over Belgium as well as in the ensuing 3-1 victory against Italy on Matchday 3.

The tournament player awards will be handed out at the end of the tournament, among them the golden boot for the top goalscorer of EURO 2025.

González has been on fire with four goals in five appearances, while Putellas trails on three goals but with four assists, more than any player at the tournament. If players are tied, the golden boot is awarded to the player with more assists.

Also Read: Messi vs Ronaldo: Who has scored the most non-penalty goals?

ATP & WTA Rankings cater to men's singles and doubles players and women's singles and doubles players, respectively. Rankings can be regarded as the ultimate expression of a player's abilities on the field and their current form. Throughout the years, many players have been successful in climbing up the ranking ladder whilst others have fallen short of expectations.

Staying consistent isn't easy, and at times it is impossible to hold the rank with new faces coming into the field. At first glance, it appears impossible. However, in this article, we shall discuss players who have lived up to the adage "Impossible means I'm Possible."

#10. Martina Hingis- 209 Weeks

When it comes to Martina Hingis, her accomplishments know no boundaries. The Swiss star has proven her mettle since winning the Australian Open at the tender age of 16 and reaching the top spot in 1997 at the same age.

Hingis held on to the number-one ranking for 80 consecutive weeks until she was overtaken by Lindsay Davenport in 1998. This was a month after losing to the Americans in the US Open final.

However, regardless of what happened, Hingis refused to give up and snatched the top spot from Davenport in 1999. As a result, she spent a total of 209 weeks as the number one player, but as fate would have it, Jennifer Capriati ascended the ladder to dethrone her.

Probably, She could have been the greatest female tennis player the world had ever seen, but she became enamoured with modelling and was never able to regain her form or ranking. "Fate is a cruel mistress, isn't it? " We ponder at times.

#9. Chris Evert- 260 Weeks

Whilst talking about her achievements, our words would fall inadequate. After all, This American legend holds the honour of being the first woman to officially be recognised as world number one. What an accomplishment! Over nine spells at the top of the women's tennis pile, Evert accumulated 260 weeks in the number one position.

From 1976 until 1985, Evert was in a constant battle for the top spot with Martina Navratilova. However, after years of jaw-dropping collisions, the 'Ice Maiden's ' reign came to an end with Martina fetching the spot. Moreover, Chris Evert's Wonderful journey also earned her a place in our list of ATP & WTA Rankings.

Read more: ATP Tour records: Most titles in tennis career (men's)

#8. Jimmy Conors- 268 Weeks

If you're a tennis enthusiast, you've probably heard this name before. Jimmy Connors has a reputation as a great coach in addition to being a successful player. He also dominated the ATP Rankings for 268 weeks.

The American became the first man in history to cross the 200-week mark. He is also the first person on this list of ATP & WTA Rankings to have won over 100 awards. In addition, Connor has won eight Grand Slams. However, he never managed to win Roland Garros in his life, only reaching the semi-finals four times on the clay court.

Connors retired at the age of 43 after a long career in the sport. His playing technique, particularly his backhands, has inspired the modern era indeed. Also, he coached Maria Sharapova, who rose to World No. 1 in the women's category under his tutelage.

#7. Ivan Lendl- 270 Weeks

Ivan Lendl is a Czech icon who is the only player from his country to ever reach the top of the world rankings. For 270 weeks, he was the top player in the ATP Rankings. He is one of only two players to achieve Rank 1 before winning a Grand Slam.

After ascending to the throne in February 1983, the Czech ruled for a total of 29 weeks before embarking on his three-year reign. He won five of his eight Slam victories over this period of almost 150 weeks, as well as reaching the Wimbledon final twice, in 1986 and 1987, the only times he did so.

Lendl became known as the "Man Who Revolutionized Tennis" after winning eight major titles and 94 titles. He pioneered aggressive baseline power tennis (which can now be observed in Rafael Nadal's game), as well as a combination of forehand and topspin.

Aside from his playing accomplishments, he went on to become a successful coach for Scottish tennis star Andy Murray, guiding him to the number one ranking.

#6. Pete Sampras- 286 Weeks

Pete Sampras is one of the most successful American tennis players on this list. He was the World No.1 for 286 weeks. From April 15, 1996, to March 30, 1998, Sampras held the top spot in the ATP rankings for the longest time.

During his long career, Sampras has won 64 titles. He even won 14 Grand Slam titles over his career, including his 14th on his final appearance at the major event; he is the only player to have done so to date.

Because of his abilities, he rose to the top of the charts and got a place in our list of ATP & WTA Rankings. Opponents dreaded his precise and powerful serves during his playing days. Sampras was even given the moniker 'Pistol Pete'.

Read more: Top 10 fastest serves in Tennis history (ATP recognised)

#5. Roger Federer- 310 Weeks

Roger Federer has won everyone's hearts with his tremendous tennis skills. Fans even gave him the nickname 'The swiss maestro', impressed by the proficiency of his craft. Is there anything that this man hasn't gained? A simple answer would be hatred.

The Swiss maestro is adored by everyone on the planet. With his balletic movements in the court, his poised serves, and his Always-smiling face, he holds a special position in every ardent tennis fan's heart.

King Federer wore the crown of ATP Rank 1 for 310 weeks, the first male player in the history of tennis to cross 300 weeks. He also has a record of 237 straight weeks as Number One.

Accompanied by his utter dominance on grass, Federer earned the title 'King of grass'. To date, he and Martina Navratilova remain the ultimate king and queen in Wimbledon. Moreover, He is regarded as the G.O.A.T. in men's tennis due to his incredible abilities on the court.

#4. Serena Williams- 319 Weeks

Can you believe the 23-time Slam champion first topped the women's rankings on July 8, 2002, when she was only 20 years old? Well, neither can we. After achieving such a record, the young American remained in first place for nearly a year, 57 weeks to be exact, while she won Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open consecutively before adding a second Wimbledon to bring her total Slam tally to five.

From August 2003 to September 2008, Williams was not ranked number one at all. Meanwhile, the top spot changed hands 19 times between seven different women. However, her poised serve, and outstanding netplay propelled her back to the top rank for a month.

In addition, the amazing lady owns the record for the longest streak, which is 186 weeks. As a result of this, she linked hands with Steffi Graf.

Her list of accomplishments is certainly impressive, but there is one more feather that she may be able to introduce to her cap. That is winning 2 more grand slams and in the process, passing Margaret Court as the highest grand slam winner in tennis history (Both men's and women's). However, only time will tell if the 'Momma Smash' is capable of accomplishing such a feat.

#3. Martina Navratilova- 332 Weeks

The situation was not easy for 'The Wimbledon queen,' as her long-time adversary Chris Evert was not willing to give her a field in the WTA rankings. However, after much hard work, Navratilova was able to achieve the top ranking in July 1978. She dethroned Evert from the top, ending her 113-week reign.

In 1978, the 18-time Grand Slam champion won her first Grand Slam and first Wimbledon victory, which propelled her to the top of the rankings.

Well, after all of her hard work, it was finally time for her to bask in the glory of her accomplishments. Therefore, she went on to enjoy nine overall spells at world number one. She was last ranked in that position in August 1987, when she had 16 Slam singles wins under her belt. Her wonderful records placed her in the 3rd position in our list of ATP & WTA Rankings.

#2. Stefi Graff- 377 Weeks

Now, this brings us to the number 1 spot holder on our list of ATP & WTA Rankings. Honestly, our list can't be completed without her. Steffi Graf is a name to reckon with in the world of tennis. Often regarded as the greatest of all time, there might not be a lot of records in the book that the champion player hasn't broken.

Winner of as many as 22 Grand Slam titles, Steffi's presence was enough to send shivers down the spine of her opponents. Steffi's versatility and dominance across different surfaces made her the fan favourite. The extent of the German tennis star's dominance can be gauged by the fact that she held the world's No. 1 ranking for 377 weeks.

Graf first rose to the top of the rankings in August 1987. After breaking the reigning of Evert and Navratilova, Graf enjoyed 186 weeks in the top position on her first spell. Also, the 'Fraulein forehand' didn't just stop there. She went on to create history by completing the Calendar Golden Slam of winning all four Majors and the Olympic gold medal in 1988.

Graf achieved such a performance that the phrase "Golden Slam" was coined. Furthermore, with these accomplishments on her side, she went on to spend 377 weeks as the World's No. 1 tennis player, an astonishing record that remains untouched to date.

#1. Novak Djokovic- 428 Weeks

The 1 member of the 'Big Three' already appeared on this list and thus it leaves the second member of the trio to feature here. Novak Djokovic has been the World Number One for a record 428 weeks while he has won 100 tour-level titles and overtook Stefi Graff's record. Djokovic climbed to No. 1 for the first time in 4 July 2011.

Aside from his rivals Nadal and Federer, Djokovic is one of the most successful players. He deserved to be at the top since he has dominated the court for the past decade. He is also considered to be the 'King of the Australian Open' due to winning the trophy 10 times. Astonishing, isn't it? The Serbian tennis player became the No.1 tennis player for the 11th time on January 11, 2023, as a result of his 4th US Open title.

Note: Stats are up to date till 23/07/2025. Written by Pritha Ghosh and states are updated by Koushik Biswas and Payal Debnath 

Tennis is a unique sport in the world of professional athletics. Unlike team sports, where athletes sign massive guaranteed contracts, tennis players earn their money one match at a time. Prize money is performance-based. For decades, men dominated the tennis earnings landscape, thanks in part to larger purses in men’s events and longer careers at the top. 

But in recent years, the women’s game has surged, producing global superstars who have earned hundreds of millions both on and off the court. The prize money gap has closed dramatically since the early 2000s, especially at Grand Slam events where men and women now compete for equal pay. Still, only a handful of players in history have managed to turn their careers into nine-figure career earnings totals.

Let's take a look at the players with most career earnings in tennis history.

Also Read: ATP Tour records: Most titles in tennis career (men's)

Most Career Earnings in Tennis History

1. Novak Djokovic | $188,934,053

It is a measure of Novak Djokovic's brilliance and longevity that the 24-time grand slam tournament champion remains by far the highest earner in tennis history. To date, as per the ATP, Djokovic has made over $188 in career earnings, making him the highest earner the sport has ever seen.

In 2022, Reuters reported that Djokovic bought an 80 per cent controlling stake in QuantBioRes, a Danish biotech firm that had been working on a cure for COVID-19 without vaccination, in 2020. Djokovic also invests in his eponymous foundation, which develops early childhood education projects in Serbia.

2. Rafael Nadal | $134,946,100

Rafael Nadal is one of the most successful tennis players in the long history of the sport. The Spaniard has entered the pantheon of tennis greats across his incredible career as a 14-time French Open champion. Nadal also has 22 major singles titles, second behind men's game outright leader Novak Djokovic on 24.

To date, Nadal has made $134,946,100 in career earnings. That makes Nadal the second-highest earner in history behind one of the only players to regularly rival him in recent times in Djokovic. The 38-year-old has raked in more than twice as much across his career as the player immediately behind Federer in the earnings table: Andy Murray. His 2022 Australian Open triumph earned Nadal more than $2m (£1.6m), and his French Open glory was worth around $707,000 (£575,000).

3. Roger Federer | $130,594,339

Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Swiss maestro dominated men’s tennis for nearly two decades, winning 20 Grand Slam singles titles and a total of 103 ATP titles. Federer retired in September 2022, bringing an end to an illustrious career that saw him compete against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic as part of the legendary "Big Three." Despite stepping away from the professional circuit, his influence and earnings continue to grow.

Throughout his career, Federer earned $130,594,339 in prize money from ATP tournaments and Grand Slam victories. Federer’s income has been significantly bolstered by sponsorships and endorsements.

4. Serena Williams | $94,816,730

Serena Williams is considered by many to be one of the best female tennis players of all time. She is the highest-earning female player by a mile and is the only female player on this list. Her career on-court earnings top $94,816,730. Serena won more Grand Slam singles titles than any other player, male or female, in the Open Era. She is also a four-time Olympic gold medalist and has won numerous other major titles.

Williams is also one of the most popular endorsement athletes in the world. She earns $15-20 million per year outside of tennis, endorsing companies like Nike and Kraft Foods. In 2004, Williams inked a $40 million deal to produce a fashion line with Nike.

5. Andy Murray | $64,687,542

A three-time major winner and twice an Olympic gold medallist, Andy Murray boasts a career that would leave most professionals envious, even though he had the misfortune of competing at a time when three of the greatest male players in history - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic were at the peak of their powers. Still, the Scot has earned a significant sum of money through prize funds after winning 46 titles in his storied career, while commercial endorsements have added a huge amount to those earnings. 

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Murray earned $64,687,542 throughout his career. Combining on-court and off-court activity in the past few years, Murray makes anywhere between $10m-$15 million per annum across the calendar. Roughly, around $5 million (£4.07 million) per year comes from being on the court, whilst the rest will be distributed through various sponsorship and endorsement agreements.

Also Read: Most ATP Masters Titles in tennis history

6. Alexander Zverev | $53,764,389

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Alexander Zverev has a net worth of $53,764,389. Zverev has earned over $51,800,906 via ATP's official website. Having started playing tennis at a very young age, Alexander Zverev is still considered as the next big thing, and the leader of the Next-Gen, post the big three. His main sources of earnings are his tennis career, as well as the endorsement deals he has signed.

Alexander Zverev is sponsored by numerous top brands and businesses. Adidas, Richard Mille, Head, Peugeot, Z-Zegna, and Rolex are a few of the companies that have partnered with Zverev.

7. Carlos Alcaraz | $47,362,248

Carlos Alcaraz could be on his way to becoming the king of tennis, and he is certainly paid like a superstar already. In 2024, Alcaraz was the highest-earning tennis player in the world, according to Forbes. The Spaniard's net worth was more than $42 million, won through victory on the court and lucrative endorsement deals off of it. 

Alcaraz has earned $47,362,248 in his career on the tennis court. At just 22-years old, he is already a five-time major champion, meaning he has made plenty of deep runs at the most important tournaments and earned the payouts that comes with them. This year, Alcaraz won clay court tournaments in Monte Carlo and Rome, bringing in more than $1 million at each event. His win at the French Open made him $2.9 million.

8. Daniil Medvedev | $46,779,909

A former world No.1, Medvedev is another one of those players who kept his name in the mix during the domination of the ‘Big Three’. Having won a total of 20 ATP titles, with his first being in 2018, Medvedev made his top 10 debut in 2019 and reached six consecutive finals. His biggest win however, came at the 2021 US Open where he walked away as champion. He beat Djokovic in straight sets to become the third Russian man to win a major singles title, and the first to do so since 2005.

Medvedev has earned $46,779,909 in his career earnings so far in July 2025, which puts him in the 8th spot in the all-time career earnings list.

9. Jannik Sinner | $45,682,097

Fresh off his first-ever Wimbledon trophy, Sinner has already worked his way into the top 10 highest earners, at just 23-years-old. There is no question there is a lot more money in the modern-day game, but it is hard to argue that Sinner does not deserve his place on this list due to the sheer amount of success he has already had in his young career. He is the current world No.1 and has won 20 titles, which include four majors; the 2024 and 2025 Australian Open, the 2024 US Open, and the 2025 Wimbledon Championship. 

His recent Wimbledon victory earned him a tidy $4 million - and it is almost inevitable that Sinner will win even more titles and slowly work his way up in the all-time list. Sinner has earned $45,682,097 in his career so far, which puts him in the 9th spot in the all-time career prize money earnings list.

Also Read: Players with most aces hit in tennis history

10. Pete Sampras | $43,280,489

Before retiring as one of the most successful tennis players of all time in 2002, Sampras had won 64 ATP Tour-level titles, including a then record of 14 Grand Slams. His favourite venue was Wimbledon, where he won a staggering seven Championships in just eight years.

Pete has earned $43,280,489 throughout his career. His sponsorships with Nike and Wilson contributed significantly to his wealth.