Casper Ruud raises questions on Emma Raducanu, Aryna Sabalenka & Elena Rybakina's combined $26M endorsement earnings in 2024

Casper Ruud raised questions about the combined $26M endorsement earnings of Emma Raducanu, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina in 2024. His comments came after Sportico, a digital content platform, published an article yesterday mentioning the highest-paid female athletes of the year.

Ruud responded to a post by tennis enthusiast Bastien Fachan. Fachan shared that Raducanu earned more from endorsements in 2024 than Sabalenka and Rybakina combined. The Norwegian doubted the credibility of the source and wondered if its officials had actually seen the players' contracts firsthand.

Fachan Wrote:

“Emma Raducanu ($14M) made more in endorsements in *2024* than Aryna Sabalenka ($8M) and Elena Rybakina ($4M) combined 🤯."

"The devil works hard but her agent works harder!”

Ruud replied:

“How do you/they know?"

"Have you seen all of Emma, Aryna and Elena’s contracts with your own eyes?🤔”

In response, Fachan referred to a section of the Sportico article, noting that the endorsement earnings were estimated by seasoned marketing professionals.

“Per Sportico:

The endorsement earnings estimates were compiled through conversations with those familiar with marketing agreements and also include royalties, memorabilia, appearance fees, media and businesses tied to their celebrity'” Fachan wrote.

Casper Ruud pointed out that the figures were based on assumptions, and that there was no way the player’s manager would disclose their contracts. He also suggested that Sportico should use the term "highest estimated paid" to avoid misleading viewers.

He wrote:

“Fair enough, but even for them (sportico) it’s a guessing game.. there’s no way an agent would ever give access to their players contracts so in reality only the agent & player know the real numbers.."

"They should write «highest estimated payed athletes» instead..”

Where will Emma Raducanu, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Casper Ruud play next?

Casper Ruud | Image Source: Getty

Elena Rybakina and Casper Ruud will kick off their 2025 season at the United Cup, while Aryna Sabalenka starts hers at the Brisbane International, and Emma Raducanu competes at the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Rybakina will represent Kazakhstan and Ruud will play for Norway in the team event.

The United Cup brings together mixed-gender teams from 18 countries. In 2025, it will return for its third edition, with players giving their all to defend their titles. Germany claimed the championship last time, and it’ll be thrilling to see if they can defend their crown successfully.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Meanwhile, the Brisbane International will run from December 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025.