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See the hilarious statement made by Tennis Star, Jannik Sinner’s girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya about Coco Gauff that is reverberating across the tennis world…Details here
Coco Gauff has once again made waves in the sports marketing world, being named one of the most marketable athletes globally, as revealed in SportsPro’s prestigious 50 Most Marketable Athletes of 2024. In a remarkable display of talent and charisma, Gauff and veteran superstar Novak Djokovic find themselves at the forefront of this elite list for the second year running, showcasing their substantial appeal both on and off the tennis court.
In this 15th edition of the annual rankings, a total of eight tennis players have made the cut, with Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, impressively placed at No. 13. In contrast, Djokovic, boasting an astounding 24 Grand Slam titles, ranks No. 18. A noteworthy shift from last year’s standings reflects the dynamic nature of their marketability, as previously Djokovic held the 11th position while Gauff was at 12.
The latest list largely features emerging talents, with only Djokovic, at 37, and his compatriot Rafael Nadal, at 38 and ranked No. 34, representing the older generation in this roster. Among the fresh faces are not just Gauff but also , positioned at No. 29, and other notable names like Naomi Osaka (No. 48) and Aryna Sabalenka (No. 38).
Gauff and Sabalenka have successfully built an engaging online persona, particularly through platforms like TikTok, where their influence resonates strongly with younger generations. Alcaraz is set to further enhance his brand visibility ahead of a new Netflix documentary. These young stars are deftly navigating today’s digital landscape, aligning their marketing strategies with the consumption habits of their fanbase, a crucial aspect of modern sports promotion.
Notably, WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek and ATP No. 1 Jannik Sinner have made their debut in SportsPro’s Top 50 at No. 50 and No. 47, respectively. Their presence emphasizes an intriguing distinction between on-court merit and broader marketability, suggesting their athletic feats are acknowledged, yet their overall appeal is still in the process of burgeoning.
However, the conspicuous absence of tennis players from the Top 10 for the second year running raises eyebrows, marking just the third time since 2010 that SportsPro has recorded such an occurrence. This absence prompts considerations regarding the comparative marketability of tennis players versus athletes from other sports, alongside the strategic choices brands make when selecting their ambassadors.
Dubbed a “who’s who of ones to watch,” the annual ranking showcases both established figures and rising stars with substantial partnership potential. Leading the charge this year is American gymnast Simone Biles, previously topping the list in 2021, who takes the crown as the most marketable athlete once again. Brazilian football sensation Vinicius Junior and basketball icon LeBron James round out the esteemed Top 3, which reflects a diverse representation across various sports. Notably, the legendary Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton marks his presence in the Top 50 for the 14th occasion, reaffirming his sustained appeal and marketability.
Here’s the complete tally of tennis stars featured in SportsPro’s rankings:
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 inclusion of these athletes not only underscores their on-court prowess but also highlights their proficiency in engaging with supporters and sponsors alike, epitomizing the changing dynamics of athlete marketability in contemporary sports. As the tennis season unfolds, the performances and public images of these players will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their future rankings and the increasing interest from brands eager to hitch their fortunes to their success.