Rafael Nadal and Roland Garros’ connection is one for a lifetime. It wasn’t a dream return for Rafa on Clay Court. The mighty Rafa on clay court was for a change dominated by Alexander Zverev. The German defeated the 14-time-champion 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in straight sets. This was Rafa’s earliest defeat at Garros, since he made his debut in Paris, two decades back.
However, the 2024 Roland Garros wasn’t about Rafa winning or losing. This is about celebrating Nadal’s legendary career, which also means the moolah Rafa made by just winning the French Open over a dozen times.
Also Read: Prize Money for Champions at Roland Garros 2024
Between 2005 and 2022, Nadal made 17 appearances in Paris emerged victorious 112 times, and lost a mere three matches. The one to Zverev was his fourth in 18 appearances at Garros. Other than lifting the famous La Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy in the past, Nadal has made a fortune by winning the Roland Garros.
Also Read: Prize Money For Champions at Roland Garros 2024
Rafael Nadal’s Career Earnings from Roland Garros
Nadal has defeated eight opponents across 14 French Open Finals. Some big names include Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Stanislas Wawrinka, and Dominic Thiem. He not only won the French Open against top opponents but also won a handsome paycheque.
Rafael Nadal has a career prize money of over $134 million in his illustrious career. This is the second highest by any athlete, after Novak Djokovic with over $182 million. A major chunk of Nadal’s prize money has come from Roland Garros.
So, how much prize money has Nadal earned after winning the French Open titles?
| Season | Opponent | Scoreline | Prize Money |
| 2005 | Mariano Puerta (Argentina) | 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 | € 0.88 million |
| 2006 | Roger Federer (Switzerland) | 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 | € 0.94 million |
| 2007 | Roger Federer (Switzerland) | 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 | €1.33 million |
| 2008 | Roger Federer (Switzerland) | 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 | € 1.20 million |
| 2010 | Robin Soderling (Sweden) | 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 | € 1.12 million |
| 2011 | Roger Federer (Switzerland) | 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1 | € 1.20 million |
| 2012 | Novak Djokovic (Serbia) | 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 | € 1.25 million |
| 2013 | David Ferrer (Spain) | 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 | € 1.50 million |
| 2014 | Novak Djokovic (Serbia) | 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 | € 1.65 million |
| 2017 | Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) | 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 | € 2.10 million |
| 2018 | Dominic Thiem (Austria) | 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 | € 2.20 million |
| 2019 | Dominic Thiem (Austria) | 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 | € 2.30 million |
| 2020 | Novak Djokovic (Serbia) | 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 | € 1.60 million |
| 2022 | Casper Rudd (Norway) | 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 | € 2.35 million |
Nadal’s total earnings after winning the French Open title is € 21,62,000 or $23,43,813. This figure is approximately 17 percent of the total earnings made by Rafa in his entire career. Over here, we haven’t calculated the earnings he made from his three losses at the French Open.
With Nadal bowing out of the first round of the French Open 2024, he lost an opportunity to add another € 2.4 million to his bank account. However, this time it was more than just money on the line for the Spaniard.
Rafa missed the 2023 French Open due to a hip injury. He made a comeback at the start of the year but missed the Australian Open. Even the Clay court, which he dominated for years wasn’t good enough to help him sail to Round 2.
Rafael Nadal hasn’t announced his retirement, just yet. However, he did confirm that there is a big percentage of him not returning to Paris, in 2025. He has provided innumerable moments of joy to his fans. If this is the last time, Rafa has set foot on the Paris clay court, it is time to salute the legend, for his contributions, and for making us believe that impossible is nothing.
Vamos Rafa!
