By Rick Horrow and Karla Swatek
November 16, 2012
When the Davis Cup concludes on Sunday, the 2012 men’s and women’s tennis seasons will officially be in the books. Let’s take a look at the year in review…
On the ATP side, Novak Djokovic for the second consecutive year led all players in prize money, bringing in $9.9 million dollars. Djokovic’s earnings were boosted off-court by a new endorsement deal with Uniqlo, which replaced Sergio Tacchini as his apparel sponsor. However, while Djokovic was the biggest earner, Andy Murray might be the biggest winner. After capturing the Olympic gold medal in his home country, Murray went on to win his first Grand Slam event at the U.S. Open. Marketers expect his sponsorship income to triple following the win.
Victoria Azarenka led the WTA in prize money this year with $7.3 million. Her counterparts Maria Sharapova and Carolina Wozniacki led the Tour with the quirkiest new business deals: Sharapova with her own candy brand and Wozniacki with an underwear line.
2012 also saw the end of two illustrious careers, as both Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters called it a career after the U.S. Open. Roddick’s $20 million in career earnings ranks 10th all-time amongst men’s players. Clijsters $24 million is third all-time amongst women.
As the calendar turns to 2013, tennis fans can find solace in the fact that the Australian Open increased its prize pool to a record $30 million, thus avoiding a potential players strike. Meanwhile, questions remain over when, if ever, Arthur Ashe Stadium will get a roof, after rain caused the USTA to delay the men’s U.S. Open finals for the fifth straight year.
