Emma Raducanu's fairytale victory at the 2021 US Open not only made her the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title in 44 years but also secured her a life-changing payday. The 18-year-old sensation took home a whopping £1.8 million in prize money after her straight-sets triumph over Leylah Fernandez in the final.
How Raducanu's Earnings Compare to Tennis Greats
While Raducanu's prize money seems astronomical, it pales in comparison to what some of tennis' biggest names have earned throughout their careers:
- Serena Williams has amassed over £75 million in career prize money
- Naomi Osaka earned £2.1 million for her 2020 US Open win
- Roger Federer leads the men with over £110 million in career earnings
The Growth of Tennis Prize Money
Raducanu's windfall highlights how dramatically prize money has increased in recent years:
- In 1968, the first US Open champion won just £2,000
- By 2000, the winner's cheque had grown to £500,000
- This year's total prize pool reached £42 million
The teenager's earnings are set to grow exponentially through endorsements, with major brands already queuing up to sign the charismatic champion.
