The 2023 Davis Cup Finals are into their last two rounds, with the best-playing nations toppling fellow contenders out of the race. US Open champion Novak Djokovic, who recently had a skirmish with the audience present in the stadium during his quarterfinal match, is on course to help Serbia contest for a second title in the nation-vs-nation event.
The Davis Cup has long been a popular event, bringing athletes and fans together as countries compete against each other. It unites sportsmen who typically participate in individual events. Additionally, the prize money is substantial this year, providing winners with a generous sum to complement their celebrations.
How much does the 2023 Davis Cup champion earn?
The champion of the 2023 Davis Cup Finals will be consisted of a contingent of global athletes who are proudly representing their respective nations. The team’s triumph will be spearheaded by a captain, with the subsequent distribution of the prize funds among the individual athletes. The team, comprising five individuals, represents various countries this year.
The winners of this year’s event will take home $2.1m (£1.7m) in cash prizes. This is $500,000 (£397,000) more than what Canada won in 2022 when they beat Australia in the final. It is also $1.5m (£1.2m) more than what countries who exited during the group stage have obtained this year.
Serbia’s tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanovic secured victories against Cameron Norrie and Jack Draper, respectively, in separate matches. These wins drove Serbia into the semi-finals of the Davis Cup. Djokovic’s exceptional performance is expected to significantly contribute to his team’s quest for the prestigious title of Davis Cup champions, as well as the prize money.
“Playing for your country is always the greatest pressure and motivation,” Djokovic said after his quarterfinal victory. “After a long season, we can feel it in the legs.”
According to multiple reports, the total prize money in 2023 at the Davis Cup Finals is $6.5 million (around £5.2m). This is a massive progression for the tournament that once had Dwight Davis, an American tennis player in 1900, to finance his trophy.
Davis Cup Finals 2023 prize money breakdown
The qualification process for the Davis Cup Finals is determined by rankings, with teams earning their place in the prestigious tournament. Once qualified, these teams engage in a captivating group stage format, showcasing their skills and determination on the international stage. Next, the teams advance to the knockout stages, commencing with the quarterfinals. Below is the breakdown of the prize money for each stage of this year’s tournament.
As mentioned, the winner will take home $2.1m (£1.7m). The runner-up will receive a sum of $1.5m (£1.2m), the semifinalists will obtain a paycheck of $1.3m (£1m) and the quarterfinalists will receive $1.1m (£873,000). The nations exiting in the group stage will each be provided a sum of $514,000 (£408,000).
This is a huge increase in prize money from the years before but it still lags behind the paycheck received by players from individual ATP tournaments such as grand slams. However, the motivation to play for one’s country precedes a desire to earn money as espoused by Djokovic’s words.
“I’m grateful to once again be in the national team,” Djokovic said, calling the tournament one of his “greatest goals” of the season.
Should Novak Djokovic help Serbia win it would cap off an incredible season of record-extending accomplishments for the 36-year-old legend.
What are your opinions on the Davis Cup prize money provided to athletes? Can it be increased to become on par with grand slam events? Let us know in the comments section below.
