According to world number 20 female player Karolina Muchova, tennis players are subject to significant taxes on their annual earnings. The Czech Republic player revealed that Carlos Alcaraz only pocketed approximately 2,7 million USD for his US Open title last year, due to federal and state taxes in the United States.

Given his income exceeded 609,000 USD, Alcaraz faced a 37% federal tax, equivalent to 1,85 million USD of his US Open prize. The financial impact on the Spanish player was more severe due to New York state tax, which has one of the highest personal income tax rates in the US. By law, individuals earning between 1,08 million and 5 million USD pay 9,65% to New York tax authorities.

Alcaraz hitting a forehand during the 2025 US Open final against Sinner, on Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York last September. *Photo: USO*

"I don't know if Alcaraz has to bear additional taxes in his home country. But he received less than half of the announced prize money", Muchova shared with British newspaper, Express on 13/1. "Tournaments are getting longer, and compared to other sports, our share is very small. Only one in 200 players at the US Open receives prize money like Alcaraz".

According to Express, a double taxation avoidance agreement between Spain and the US prevented Alcaraz from having to pay another tax amount upon returning home. Nevertheless, on average, players actually take home about half of the prize money they earn throughout the season.

"We also incur many other expenses", Muchova complained. "These include salaries for staff, managers, specialists, coaches, accommodation, and travel. Compared to a top star in other sports, I think the income of Alcaraz or Sabalenka is not high".

Muchova supports the lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) against ATP, WTA, ITF, and the owners of the four Grand Slams to demand more financial rights for players. She believes that lower-ranked players have little chance of developing, and even struggle to make a living, because the prize money is insufficient.

The PTPA continues to pursue the broad lawsuit and recently achieved some objectives, including the Australian Open's willingness to negotiate a settlement with the organization instead of meeting in court. Novak Djokovic, a co-founder of the PTPA, recently left the organization due to conflicts over advocacy goals.

Vy Anh