The French Open, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, was won by two iconic players in 2024: Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz. Gauff, a 21-year-oldedian and a legend at the Paris Olympics, secured her second Grand Slam victory at the French Open. Previously, she had claimed the U.S. Open in 2023 and won the WTA Finals in 2024. Alcaraz, meanwhile, emerged victorious in the final of the French Open, facing off against Jannik Sinner. Both players were on the brink of world dominance, as Gauff also served as a formerromatic presence at the Paris Olympics alongside LeBron James, while Alcaraz highlighted their high-profile court match.
Gauff’s Tears and Taxis are a critical factor in her financial fortune. Wins across different platforms, including singles and doubles, have placed her in a position that necessitates adherence to a 45% income tax bracket in France. This is the highest applicable rate in the country, attracting attention. Her winnings, estimated at over $2.95 million after taxes, would trigger a 45% tax deduction, leaving her with a salary of approximately $1.60 million. Gauff also received a tax credit to avoid double taxation, meaning she can avoid paying an additional 1.9% tax, as well as levies in Spain, which adds a layer of financial ambiguity. Her dominance and innovative play further capitalized her prize pool, making her the second-highest-paid player in 2024.
Alcaraz’s-complete Taxis and Taxicabs are another layer of complexity for the French Open winner. Alcaraz, 35, fought to save for her tennis career while managing a complex empire of SEC sales. She claimed over $2.95 million, nearly halving Gauff’s salary due to the 47% income tax in Spain, the highest in the country. The combined prize pool for the French Open reached an unprecedented $65.2 million in 2024, a 6.3% growth from the previous year. Alcaraz faced additional surtaxes, but the tax credit from France helped offset some of these costs. Her story, like Gauff’s, revolved around balancing financial success against the rides on wealth tax policies.
The Tale of Talents now blurring. French winners often earn a killingnumerous dollars, making the French Open one of the most lucrative events. Gauff and Alcaraz are among the youngest and most unrequited in this system. The French Open, known for its steep list, aligns with a taxation regime that rewards fundraising and wealth accumulation, as seen in Spain and the US. Both players resonate on the boundaries of economic power, their taxing paths reflecting personal and professional imaginings.
