For the second consecutive year, Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic have been recognized as the two most marketable tennis players in the world, according to SportsPro’s 50 Most Marketable Athletes of 2024. This distinction highlights the significant appeal both athletes hold, not only for their exceptional skills on the court but also for their ability to connect with fans and brands alike.
Rankings Overview
The prestigious annual list, now in its 15th edition, features eight tennis players among its ranks. Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, is positioned at No. 13, while Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, occupies the No. 18 spot. This year’s rankings mark a reversal from last year’s, which placed Djokovic at No. 11 and Gauff at No. 12. Their continued presence in this elite company underscores their growing influence in the sport and beyond.
Emerging Stars and Social Media Influence
The list predominantly highlights the sport’s “now gen,” with 37-year-old Djokovic and 38-year-old Rafael Nadal (ranked No. 34 and set to retire at the end of the season) being the only older players included. Alongside established stars like Naomi Osaka (No. 48) and Aryna Sabalenka (No. 38), younger talents such as Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz (No. 29) are also featured prominently.
Gauff and Sabalenka have successfully cultivated a highly engaged presence on social media platforms like TikTok, where they resonate with younger audiences. Alcaraz is set to expand his visibility further with an upcoming documentary on Netflix. These young athletes are adeptly navigating the digital landscape and promoting their brands in ways that align with their fans’ content consumption habits, demonstrating the importance of modern marketing strategies in sports.
New Entries in the Top 50
Additionally, WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek and ATP No. 1 Jannik Sinner made their debuts in the Top 50 on SportsPro’s list, ranked No. 50 and No. 47, respectively. Their inclusion in the rankings highlights a notable contrast between on-court success and marketability potential, suggesting that while their athletic prowess is recognized, their broader appeal is still developing.
Lack of Representation in the Top 10
A concerning trend is the absence of any tennis players in the Top 10 for the second year in a row, marking just the third occurrence since SportsPro began its comprehensive assessment of athlete marketability in 2010. This gap raises questions about the marketability of tennis players compared to athletes from other sports, as well as the strategies employed by brands when selecting ambassadors.
Notable Rankings
Described as “a who’s who of ones to watch, both on and off the field of play,” the annual ranking includes not just established stars but also promising rising talents with significant partnership potential. American gymnast Simone Biles was named the most marketable athlete of the year, having previously topped the list in 2021. Brazilian soccer star Vinicius Junior and basketball veteran LeBron James rounded out the Top 3, highlighting the diverse range of sports represented. Notably, Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton (No. 11) made the Top 50 for the 14th time, a record that underscores his enduring appeal and marketability.
Tennis Players in the SportsPro Rankings
Here’s a breakdown of the tennis players featured in SportsPro’s list:
– No. 13: Coco Gauff (USA)
– No. 18: Novak Djokovic (SRB)
– No. 29: Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
– No. 34: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
– No. 38: Aryna Sabalenka (BLR)
– No. 47: Jannik Sinner (ITA)
– No. 48: Naomi Osaka (JPN)
– No. 50: Iga Swiatek (POL)
The presence of these athletes on the list reflects not only their talent on the court but also their ability to engage with fans and sponsors, illustrating the evolving landscape of athlete marketability in today’s sports world. As the tennis season progresses, the performances and public personas of these players will likely influence their positions in future rankings and the growing interest from brands looking to associate with their success.
