With career earnings nearing 300 million, where does the current women’s singles world No.1 rank historically?

As is well known, tennis is one of the largest sports globally and has always attracted significant attention. The professional tennis circuit, fueled by star players and high public interest, has become a major focus for countless brands and media outlets. In this environment, prize money for various tournaments has been steadily increasing every year.

Take current women’s singles world No.1 Sabalenka as an example. After winning the US Open singles title with a $5 million prize, her total career earnings have surpassed $42 million, approximately 300 million yuan. Born in 1998, she just turned 27 this year, which is considered a prime age for tennis players, so this figure is expected to continue rising.

So, where does $42 million rank in WTA history? Let’s take a look at the top five highest-earning players in WTA history.

No.5 Simona Halep

$40,236,618

Two-time Grand Slam champion Halep ranks fifth in history with over $40 million in earnings. The Romanian star won the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019, accumulating a career singles record of 24 titles and 18 runner-ups.

Earlier this year, the former WTA world No.1 announced her retirement after losing in straight sets in her opening match at the WTA 250 Cluj tournament held in her hometown.

No.4 Aryna Sabalenka

$42,300,521

Sabalenka’s rise on this list is due to her outstanding Grand Slam performances this year. She reached three Grand Slam finals, achieving 1 title, 2 runner-ups, and 1 semifinal appearance. Her US Open victory this year marks her fourth Grand Slam title. Turning pro in 2017, she has amassed 21 titles and 18 runner-ups in singles.

No.3 Iga Swiatek

$42,595,015

Though younger than Sabalenka, Swiatek has slightly outperformed her in Grand Slam achievements and earnings. She has won four French Open titles and also claimed victories at the 2022 US Open and this year’s Wimbledon. Currently, she holds 24 singles titles and 5 runner-ups, including 6 Grand Slam championships.

No.2 Serena Williams

$42,684,864

Ranking second is Serena Williams, who has not officially retired. This year at the US Open, she also partnered with Fernandez to achieve multiple wins in women’s doubles. Although her career titles date back some time (her first career Grand Slam singles title was at Wimbledon in 2000), her combined singles and doubles success has pushed her total earnings beyond $42 million.

No.1 Venus Williams

$94,816,730

At number one is the undisputed queen Venus Williams, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, and 5 WTA year-end singles championships. Venus’s career achievements are beyond simple numbers, and she currently leads the list with a staggering prize money total exceeding $94 million.

So, who do you think has the best chance to surpass Venus—Sabalenka or Swiatek?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Barbie)