September money list: Naomi Osaka banks big bucks

Naomi Osaka has edged Novak Djokovic as the biggest earner on tour in our September Money List.

In an incredible month for the Japanese star, her US Open champion’s cheque and her earnings from a run to the final in Tokyo combined to earn her just shy of US$4 million.

Djokovic earned $3.8 million for winning the men’s title in New York, but he has not played an officially-sanctioned tour event since, instead opting to contest the Laver Cup.

US Open finalists Serena Williams and Juan Martin del Potro came in third and fourth place on this month’s Money List, while US Open semifinalist Kei Nishikori pipped fellow semifinalists Rafael Nadal, Madison Keys and Anastasija Sevastova for fifth place after factoring in his cheque for reaching the ATP semifinal in Metz, France.

Neither Nadal or Sevastova have played since the US Open.

NEWS: Sabalenka powers to Wuhan title

Aryna Sabalenka, Dominic Thiem and Karolina Pliskova earned sizeable amounts thanks to their victories in Wuhan, St Petersburg and Tokyo respectively, but they finished further down the Money List – a demonstration of the earning potential on offer at the Grand Slams.

Sabalenka’s $503,725 for winning Wuhan – one of the biggest events on the WTA tour – was not much more than what other players earned for reaching the US Open quarterfinals.

September Money List

Next best: Madison Keys ($939,745) – SF US Open, R2 Wuhan

In October, plenty of money is on offer at rich Chinese events in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as the WTA’s season-ending event in Singapore.

The WTA China Open offers more than $1.5 million to its winner while the ATP Shanghai Masters has a first prize of $1.36 million. The WTA Finals champion receives upwards of $2 million.