Winning the Cincinnati title, Alcaraz and Swiatek still lost $500,000 and $200,000 respectively.

Following two weeks of impressive play, Alcaraz battled Sinner in the Cincinnati final, marking their fourth encounter this season. However, only 20 minutes passed before Sinner, feeling unwell, had to withdraw. This wasn't the scenario Alcaraz hoped for to win his maiden Cincinnati Masters trophy, but he still managed to become the youngest men's singles winner since Murray in 2008 at just 22 years old. And there was a hefty prize waiting for him—though the actual amount he received was far less than the advertised sum.

According to the ATP official website, the winner's prize money at the Cincinnati Masters is $1,124,380! Taking home the "Rookwood Cup" indeed comes with a substantial payout, a trophy Sinner lifted last year. However, as a non-U.S. resident (NRA), Alcaraz must pay income taxes on earnings made in the U.S., including his prize money, which typically means around 30% is withheld upfront.

So, how much does he actually get? Alcaraz lives in Murcia, Spain, and his winnings are subject to several tax deductions. First, as a non-resident, he pays a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, totaling $337,314, leaving him with $787,066. Then, Ohio state imposes an athlete income tax (commonly called the "jock tax"), further reducing his earnings.

Personal income tax in Murcia is about 46%, but the U.S.-Spain tax treaty helps prevent double taxation on his prize money. Typically, after federal and state taxes plus professional expenses, top players see 40%–50% of their gross income deducted. This means Alcaraz’s actual take-home is much lower than the headline figure—a reality he’s quite familiar with.

At the French Open, Alcaraz faced a similar “tax bite.” He paid about 46% in taxes on his winnings, so from a €2.55 million prize (around $2.9 million), he walked away with just a bit over half, highlighting how international tournament payouts shrink after taxes.

Therefore, in Cincinnati, Alcaraz is expected to net between $650,000 and $700,000 after federal withholding, possible Ohio taxes, agent commissions, and other expenses. The final amount may vary due to tax treaty benefits and how expenses are filed, but regardless, a significant chunk is gone before the celebrations even start.

Edge Financial reports that Swiatek is no exception. On Tuesday, she claimed her 24th WTA title in Cincinnati, overcoming Italy’s Paolini with a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 win. The sweet part of this victory isn’t just the championship, but also the sizable $752,275 prize, which she credits her team for helping her improve on faster courts. Still, although she’ll bask in the glory of her achievement, only a portion of her hard-earned winnings will actually reach her bank account.

She’ll ultimately lose $225,683, reducing her original $752,275 prize to $526,592. Sounds decent, right? But that’s not the end of it. After factoring in other deductions, the final amount will be even lower. Swiatek may also have to pay Ohio’s “jock tax,” which could further cut her prize down to 40%-50% of the original amount, leaving her with between $376,140 and $451,140.

Last month, Swiatek’s $4.05 million Wimbledon prize ended up as just $2.5 million after a 20% direct tax and additional deductions. Ultimately, she lost about 45% of the original payout. Regardless of the taxes, Swiatek heads to New York in top form. Who knows? Another Grand Slam title might be within her reach.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)