Carlos Alcaraz instantly loses huge amount of prize money after Cincinnati Open win

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz renewed their rivalry on Monday, with the two best male tennis players on the planet squaring off in a dramatic final of the Cincinnati Open.

In recent times the pair, with a combined age of 46, have grown into the two titans of the court with a Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal-like dynamic.

Going into the Cincinnati Open final, they had met on 13 occasions on the ATP Tour, with Alcaraz leading 8-5.

The Spaniard beat Sinner in a stunning five-set encounter in the 2025 French Open Final as well as their earlier showdown in the Italian Open but the latter responded with a victory in Wimbledon - stopping his opponent from achieving a historic three-peat at SW19 and ending a five-match losing streak against him.

The next episode of their series was a fourth final showdown of the year involving the two highest-ranked players in the world and Alcaraz improved his record against Sinner to 9-5 after his opponent was forced to retire 5-0 down in just 23 minutes.

Sinner struggled with an illness that "didn't feel great" on Sunday and apologised to his fans for having to pull out and give Alcaraz the win.

"I’m super super sorry to disappoint you," Sinner said post-match.

"From yesterday I didn’t feel great. I thought I would improve during the night. It came up worse. I tried to come out and make it at least a small match but I couldn’t handle more. I’m very very sorry for all of you. I know some of you on Monday maybe had to work or do something else, so I’m very very sorry. Of course Carlos congrats. Another title. Not the way you wanted to win but it’s amazing what kind of season you’re producing."

How much prize money will Carlos Alcaraz receive?

Although it was not the circumstances he wanted to win in, Alcaraz was presented with the the Rockwood Cup and received $1,124,380 in prize money - a 7.14% increase from last year.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz is the most exciting rivalry in tennis today. Image: Getty

However, Alcaraz will not end up with the full amount. That's because the figure will be taxed considerably in line with US federal tax laws.

In April, when Rory McIlroy finally won the Masters in golf, Paul Barham, head of international private client tax at Forvis Mazars, explained the situation.

"Any prize money earned will be subject to US federal tax, the top rate of which is still 37 per cent," he told the Daily Express.

"The US tax is paid regardless of where they are tax resident and if they are a tax resident in the US, they shouldn't pay tax on this prize money in any other country."

Not a a tax resident in the US, Alcaraz will forego around $416,020 from his overall fee to the United States Government.

Sinner and Alcaraz met again in the final of the Cincinnati Open. Image: Getty

All players who compete in the tournament will also be taxed heavily on their earnings. Both will be used to it being the case by now and in July, Sinner will have been taxed at around 36.52% after his £3 million Wimbledon triumph.

Because Sinner resides in tax-free Monaco, he does not have to pay taxes on earnings.

However, Alcaraz is a resident in Murcia, where he lives with his parents. As per the Olive Press, he has to pay state and regional personal income to the Murcia government - with that amount said to be around 46%.

There is US-Spain tax treaty which can stop double taxation on earnings in cases.

Next up in the tennis calendar is the US Open but Sinner is now a major doubt to defend his crown, with him wishing Alcaraz well suggesting he is not hopeful of participating.