Novak Djokovic hits $100M in career prize money with fourth-round victory
PARIS – Thirteen years after Novak Djokovic won $118 in his first-ever professional tennis event, the world No. 1 has become the first tennis player in the history of the game to surpass $100 million in career prize money.
Djokovic beat No. 14 seed Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-5 in a match that spanned two days because of persistent rain that has backlogged the French Open.
Djokovic reaches his 10th career quarterfinal in Roland Garros, equaling the effort here of Rafael Nadal and just one behind the Open era record of 11, held by Roger Federer. He’ll next meet Tomas Berdych or David Ferrer.
Heading into the match Djokovic had earned $99,673,404 in career prize money. The payout at this year’s French Open is €294,000 ($328,251 at current rates) for a quarterfinal finish (which Djokovic secured Wednesday).
That puts Djokovic at $100,001,655 in his 14-year career, the most of any tennis player.
Roger Federer is close behind Djokovic with $98,011,727 in career earnings. Serena Williams, alternatively, has earned $76,796,166, including her already-secured winnings in Paris.
Djokovic’s budding success in tennis has come at the right time: Last year he won three Grand Slams and hauled in a total of $21,092,125, more than former world No. 1 Andy Roddick’s entire career – $20,640,030.
Djokovic’s quarterfinal feat is his 28th consecutive at any major, putting him in sole possession of second place ahead of American Jimmy Connors. Federer, again, holds that record: 36 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals.
Roland Garros is paying out a tournament record €32 million ($36 million) this year, while the U.S. Open is planning for $50 million next year in prize money, the most of any major.
Grand Slam and tour events have seen a spike in player earnings the last few years.
“The prize money is a big difference,” said former world No. 1 Carlos Moya. “I’m not talking about 30 years ago, I’m talking about five or 10 years ago. It has been increasing unbelievably. Novak is a great champion. He’s earned that money.”
This year’s French Open prize money is nearly double it was (€17.5 million) in 2011.
This year, Indian Wells, one of the biggest tournaments in tennis, offered over $6 million in prize money to the men. That’s in comparison with $4.7 million in 2011 and $2.9 million in 2006.
Djokovic won $1,028,300 in Indian Wells for his title there this year, and will have the chance to collect €2 million should he win here, or $2.24 million USD.