How Iga Swiatek Can Move Above Venus Williams in WTA Prize Money Standings

When it comes to prize money in women’s tennis, names like Serena and Venus Williams have long dominated the conversation. But in 2025, a new queen of clay and hard courts is steadily climbing her way into that elite financial bracket: Iga Swiatek. With multiple Grand Slam titles already under her belt and a string of WTA 1000 trophies, the Polish star is now on the verge of surpassing Venus Williams in career prize money earnings—a milestone that reflects not only her dominance on court but also her status as the new face of the sport.

As of now, Swiatek is closing in on the $43 million mark, while Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and pioneer of equal pay in tennis, sits just slightly above that figure. To leapfrog Venus, Iga doesn’t need a miracle—she simply needs to keep doing what she does best: winning. A deep run at the French Open, where she has already built her reputation as nearly untouchable, could be enough to tip the balance. Add in consistent performances at Wimbledon and the US Open, plus the lucrative WTA Finals at the end of the year, and the math looks promising.

What makes this story even more compelling is the symbolism. Venus Williams fought tirelessly for equal prize money at major tournaments, paving the way for the current generation to thrive. Now, a 23-year-old Swiatek is reaping those benefits, standing on Venus’s shoulders while writing her own legacy.

Surpassing Venus in prize money standings won’t erase what the American legend accomplished—it will highlight it. Because without Venus, there might not be a level playing field for Iga to shine on today. But tennis is a game of eras, and Swiatek’s era is undeniably here.

The question isn’t if she’ll pass Venus—it’s when. And when that moment comes, it will mark more than just a financial milestone. It will cement Iga Swiatek’s place not only among the great champions of her time but also among the richest and most influential players in WTA history. The torch is passing, and Swiatek looks more than ready to carry it.