Novak Djokovic could make tennis history at US Open by reaching unprecedented prize money milestone

Novak Djokovic can further add to his unparalleled legacy in tennis in the next month by smashing a prize money milestone.

Djokovic is the most successful men's tennis player of all time, with a record 24 Grand Slams to his name after moving past both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

The Serbian's last Grand Slam victory game back in 2023 when he won the US Open and though recent tournaments have primarily dominated by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the 39-year-old is desperate to move to 25.

That number would see him usurp Margaret Court - who also has a joint-record 24 singles titles.

But another triumph at the US Open will also see Djokovic smash another record when it comes to prize money earned.

Djokovic, who has been at the top of the world rankings for longer than any other player, has made a whopping $194,656,816.

Nadal's earnings stand at $134.95 million, while Federer is just behind with winnings of $130.59 million.

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He is ever so close to being the first player to boast earnings of more than $200 million but that could all change very quickly.

As noted by Tennis365, Djokovic will earn $1,151,380 if he goes all the way and wins the Cincinnati Masters which kicks off on Thursday.

Djokovic's path to winning the 125th edition of the men’s tournament has been made a little easier after defending champion Alcaraz and No.1 ranked player Sinner both pulled out with injuries.

The ATP Masters 1000 tournament precedes the US Open, which runs from 23 August to 13 September.

Last year, the prize money for the winners Alcaraz and Sabalenka was $5 million after a 38.89% increase.

Top 10 players for prize money in men's tennis

1.Novak Djokovic - $194.66million

2.Rafael Nadal - $134.95million

3.Roger Federer - $130.59million

4.Jannik Sinner - $69.59million

5.Alexander Zverev - $68.39million

6.Carlos Alcaraz - $65million

7.Andy Murray - $64.69million

8.Daniil Medvedev - $52.19million

9.Pete Sampras - $43.28million

10.Stan Wawrinka - $38.59million

The top prize is set to be even higher than the aforementioned record-breaking sum this time around and should see Djokovic break new ground if he goes all the way in New York.

Still among the best players in the world even as he gets older after his fair share of injury issues, Djokovic has been in the top-10 for 400 consecutive weeks.

However, money is not the main motivation for Djokovic - who is the only man to complete to achieve a triple Career Grand Slam.

“You know, we live in a very materialistic society these days. It’s nothing against you but I am not like that,” Djokovic explained in an interview with Piers Morgan last year.

“I don’t want to give all the information about what I am worth and what my investments are, it’s none of their business. Why should I disclose that? For what reason? There are things that are disclosed like prize money and people know about or contracts, but other things, no.

“Money is important. It’s very important and it does bring security, no doubt about it. It’s one of the driving forces in society today, you cannot neglect the importance of money.

“But it’s about the mentality and the brand you want to create around yourself. I don’t like to talk about this but I did refuse a lot of the big brands and big paycheques in my career, because I cannot represent something I do not believe in. I have always tried to play the long game.”

Djokovic has major sponsorship deals with both Lacoste and Asics, wearing their products on the court in all of his matches.

His last Grand Slam was nearly three years ago and it would be fitting for Djokovic to end the rut at the US Open, a tournament he has won four times.