In addition to making tennis history, C. Alcaraz’s spectacular win at the French Open came with a hefty tax bill, which somewhat overshadowed the impact of his record-breaking prize money.

 The Spaniard’s battle with Jannik Sinner in Paris is regarded as one of the best duels ever and was nothing short of legendary.  Alcaraz won a thrilling fifth-set tiebreak after saving not one, but three match points.  His fifth Grand Slam victory solidifies his place in the annals of the sport’s greatest players.

The cash windfall is not as easy as it looks, though.  After the tax collector takes his cut, the €2,550,000 reward for the Roland Garros victor will feel a little lighter.  In addition to the substantial deduction back home in Spain, non-resident players like Alcaraz are squeezed by a 15% tax in France.

According to rumors, Alcaraz’s recent gains could result in a tax bill of around €1 million.  This serves as a clear reminder of the challenging tax landscape that tennis players frequently face, which explains why many of them seek refuge—and financial savings—in tax-haven countries like Monaco.

However, Alcaraz’s victory has more ramifications than just the numbers.  Rafael Nadal, a tennis legend and 14-time Roland Garros champion, praised the final as “a match for the ages” and conveyed his happiness for both players.  As tennis develops, it’s exciting to watch up-and-coming champions like Alcaraz and Sinner take the lead, Nadal said, highlighting Sinner’s flawless sportsmanship.

Alcaraz took advantage of the opportunity to relax with friends in Ibiza following his successful adventures in Paris.  But as he prepares for another test at the ATP 500 tournament at Queen’s Club in London, the competitive fire is still burning brightly.  He is excited to repeat his 2023 victory as he prepares to serve his opening game on Tuesday.