According to the Forbes 2026 earnings rankings, Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner has become the highest-paid tennis player in the world, pulling in $58 million despite currently being sidelined with a right knee injury that forced him to miss the US Open. The milestone makes Sinner only the fourth player in 19 years to top the Forbes list, joining Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz.
Jannik Sinner Leads 2026 Earnings Despite Injury Absence
Sinner’s income breaks down into $23 million from tournament prize money and $35 million from endorsements and off-court ventures, according to Forbes data. The on-court earnings mark the highest figure ever recorded in the history of the publication’s tennis rich list.
Despite missing major competition due to his knee issue, the Italian player’s financial portfolio is bolstered by major partnerships, including Italian brands like Lavazza and Intesa Sanpaolo.
Did you know? Sinner is only the fourth player in nearly two decades to claim the number-one spot on the Forbes tennis earnings list, following in the footsteps of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz and the Rest of the Top Ten
Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz finished second in the 2026 rankings with total earnings of $53.7 million. While Alcaraz collected less prize money than Sinner at $15.7 million, his off-court pull outpaced the field, bringing in $38 million from sponsorships and commercial collaborations, according to Forbes.
Serena Williams generated headlines by returning to the top tier, capturing third place with $40.1 million earned almost entirely away from competitive play. Williams’ unexpected re-entry pushed the threshold for the top ten up to $17.4 million, a mark secured by tenth-place Elena Rybakina.
Other notable figures in the top tier include Aryna Sabalenka at $36.1 million, Coco Gauff at $35.5 million, and Novak Djokovic in sixth place with $30.2 million, according to the Forbes report.
How Tax Jurisdictions Impact Tennis Earnings
Sinner maintains his fiscal residence in the Principato di Monaco, where personal income is not taxed. However, tournament winnings remain subject to taxation in the specific country where each event takes place.
Sinner paid nearly 1,5 million euros to the Italian tax authorities in a recent year on roughly 5 million euros in prize money collected from tournaments played inside Italy, where the applicable rate sits at 30 percent. Additional tax obligations apply to his commercial contracts with domestic Italian corporations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Jannik Sinner earn to top the Forbes list?
Sinner brought in a total of $58 million, combining $23 million in prize money and $35 million from endorsements.
Who are the other players who have led the Forbes tennis earnings list?
Over the past 19 years, only four players have held the top spot: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner.
Where is Jannik Sinner’s tax residence?
Sinner holds fiscal residency in the Principato di Monaco, though he pays taxes on tournament earnings directly to the countries where those competitions occur, including Italy.
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