Carlos Alcaraz is facing a harsh financial reality after it was confirmed he will face a hefty tax bill on his winnings from the French Open.
Alcaraz’s final against Jannik Sinner in Paris has been hailed as one of the greatest tennis matches of all-time, with the Spaniard saving three match points before he sealed victory in a tie break at the end of the fifth set.
Alcaraz’s fifth Grand Slam title will always be remembered as one of the best of his career, but he has been stung in the pocket as it was revealed he will be taxed on his prize money in both France and Spain.
The top prize for the Roland Garros champions this year was a whopping €2,550,000, but tax demands will eat into that for Alcaraz.
All players who are not based in France pay a 15 per-cent non-resident tax, while Alcaraz will also be subjected to a hefty tax bill in his Spanish homeland.
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Reports in Spain suggest his total tax liability on his latest prize money windfall may be almost €1m, which puts some perspective on the vast prize money tennis players receive.
This sizeable tax bill would also highlight why plenty of elite level athletes make their primary residence in Monaco, as they look to find a way to hang on to more of their winnings.
The reverberations of Alcaraz’s win against Sinner are still being felt in tennis, with 14-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal among those paying tribute to the new kings of clay court tennis.
“It was a match for the ages,” said Nadal, in quotes appearing on the ATP website. “I’m very happy for Carlos. It was a spectacular final, very exciting. Ending up with the cup after Sinner was so close to taking it for so long… I’m very happy for him.
“I feel for Jannik. Despite the fact that it was an incredibly difficult match for him, he maintained an impeccable attitude and carried himself well.
“Tennis is more important than any player. There will be Grand Slam champions every year, and each of them will tread their own path. New stars will always appear, and here we have two of them.
“They are two players who are head and shoulders above the rest at the moment, proving that they are great champions. Tennis is in good hands in that regard.”
Alcaraz has spent some time away with his friends relaxing in Ibiza, but he has confirmed he will return to action as he takes part in the ATP 500 tournament at the Queen’s Club in London that gets underway on Monday.
His first match at a tournament he won in 2023 will take place on Tuesday.
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