Roland Garros launches Zverev ahead of Sinner and Alcaraz as prize money winners

As of Sunday, Alexander Zverev is no longer the strongest player in history to have never won a Slam. The German, by triumphing at Roland Garros against Flavio Cobolli, finally broke the heaviest taboo of his career. A victory that feels like oxygen for him, and which also has significant economic importance. By winning the second Slam of the season, the world no.3 earned, like the women’s champion Mirra Andreeva, 3.2 million dollars (2.8 million euros). A figure that brings Zverev’s total career earnings to around $65.8 million (€57 million). Only in prize money. A move that places him ahead of Sinner and Alcaraz, at least in the ranking of tennis players who have earned the most from tennis. Placing himself in fourth place.

overtaking

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Before the Parisian Slam Carlos and Jannik, fifth and sixth respectively at 65 million dollars (56.2 million euros) and 64.8 (56 million), despite much less time on the circuit, were ahead of the German. Who earned half of the season’s prize money, just over 6 million, by winning Roland Garros. The seven Slams of Alcaraz and the four of Sinner, winner among other things of five consecutive Masters 1000 in 2026, well explain the fact that the dominators of tennis of the present, and above all of the future, are already so high in this ranking. But now, even if for a trifle, and probably for not a very long period, at least in one ranking Zverev will be able to look down on both of them. In the official ATP list he remains n.3; in the Race, which only takes into account seasonal results, he is n.2, with Sinner clearly leader. As for the prize money, it remains behind three sacred monsters. At least for Sascha, probably unattainable.

summit

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The three players who have earned the most in the history of tennis, in terms of prize money, are Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Remembering that at the beginning of their careers the prize money in the various tournaments was much lower. The absolute leader, who is still active, is the Serbian, who is close to 200 million dollars: 193.4 (167.2 in euros), of which almost 2 in 2026, legacy for the majority of the 24 Slam titles, record holder at male level. Nadal, in second place, is quite far away with 135 million dollars (116.7 in euros), decidedly closer to third place than Federer. 130.6 million for the Swiss (112.9), who, having won a good part of his titles between 2000 and 2010 compared to the other two, is more affected by the increase in earnings recorded in the last decade. Looking ahead, with the pace they have, it is likely that Sinner and Alcaraz can take Rafa and Roger’s podium. Suffice it to say that Andy Murray was in fourth position at the end of 2025 in terms of earnings from prize money alone, and is now in seventh. Therefore, as is evident, this special ranking, like the ATP one, is also subject to rotations and sudden changes. For now, though, Zverev can enjoy a place in the sun. A pleasant feeling, another courtesy deriving from having become a Slam champion. A difference affecting any aspect of your career.