After a fortnight of incredible performances, Carlos Alcaraz faced Jannik Sinner in the Cincinnati finals! These two, building their rivalry brick by brick this season, were set for their fourth showdown of the year. But just 23 minutes in, Sinner had to withdraw, citing illness caused by the heat. This wasn’t how Carlos planned to win his first Cincinnati Open title, but in the end, he became the youngest men’s singles champion at the event since Andy Murray in 2008—at just 22 years old! And that’s not all—a whopping prize money awaited him, though it wouldn’t all land in his pocket at full price.
The official ATP Tour website lists the champion’s prize at the Cincinnati Open Masters as $1,124,380! That’s a huge payday for taking home the Rookwood Cup, which Sinner had won the year before. But since Alcaraz is a nonresident alien (NRA), he must pay U.S. income tax on his U.S.-source income, including tournament prize money. This income typically faces a nearly 30% withholding tax—unless a tax treaty cuts that rate.
So, what will he actually walk away with? Carlos Alcaraz lives in Murcia, Spain, and his take-home is sliced by taxes and expenses. First, as a nonresident alien, he faces a 30% U.S. federal tax withholding of $337,314, leaving him $787,066. Then, Ohio’s state-level ‘jock tax’ chips away further at his earnings.
Wimbledon Tennis Championships – Day 14 LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 13: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain competes with Jannik Sinner of Italy during day fourteen of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon on July 13, 2025, in London, United Kingdom. Ray Tang / Anadolu London United Kingdom. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxTURxUSAxCANxUKxJPNxITAxFRAxAUSxESPxBELxKORxRSAxHKGxNZL Copyright: x2025xAnadoluxRayxTangx
Spain’s Murcia region taxes personal income at about 46%, but the U.S.-Spain tax treaty helps prevent double taxation on his tournament earnings. Usually, combined federal and state taxes, plus professional expenses, reduce top players’ net income by 40–50%. That means Alcaraz will pocket much less than the prize’s headline figure. And this isn’t new for him.
At Roland-Garros, Carlos Alcaraz had the tax bite too. He gave up about 46% of his prize money and walked away with just over half of his €2.55 million (29,73,743.60 USD) payday. It’s a clear example of how international tournaments can seriously shrink athletes’ earnings once taxes come knocking.
Now, for his Cincinnati prize of $1,124,380, Alcaraz is expected to take home roughly $650,000 to $700,000. That’s after federal withholding, possible Ohio jock taxes, agent fees, and other pro expenses. The final figure could shift a bit, depending on Spain–U.S. tax treaty perks and how he declares expenses—but either way, it’s a hefty chunk gone before the celebrations even begin!
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