ANDY on SECRET WORLD of APPEARANCE FEES

Excerpt from Served with Andy Roddick Episode 24 - released on 6.18.24
"Appearance Fees" in the tennis world goes largely un-mentioned when talking about tennis player's finances and earnings. Andy Roddick goes into What are appearance fees? How do they usually work? And he shares some of his own experiences from his time on the ATP tour.
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[@krogdog]

I often wondered why some of the top guys would play 30+ tournaments a year when only 18 count for ranking. Kudos for lifting the veil on this👏

[@WhoDis-ow3qu]

Aside from Fritz, who plays even close to 30 events in a year now?

[@tennisCharlzz]

Money and it's the best 18. A player could always look for a better result, and it's also a rolling 52 week rank, not just a year-end rank. For example, at one point, Donald Young lost a bunch of first rounds in a row, so playing more would help his ranking.

[@jxod4296]

Top players only play around 18-20 tournaments though. I don’t know anyone doing 30 plus.

[@WhoDis-ow3qu]

@@tennisCharlzz it’s been a long time since the top players played 18…this was the goal of the rankings when the new system came along in 1990. Fedal Played less than 18 for at least a decade at the end of their careers

[@SusanLee-m5k]

@@WhoDis-ow3quandrey

[@trapkat8213]

I went to watch Dubai Open about 20 years ago. There were only 32 players in the tournament, and most of the matches were played on centre court. However, a few matches were played on one of the outside courts and it was free to watch. On that court I saw a match between Max Mirnyi, ranked around 40 at the time, and somebody who was outside top 100. Mirnyi won easily in two sets. The weird thing is that there were far more line judges and ballboys and -girls than spectators. We were literally less than ten people watching. I had always considered being a professional tennis player the best job on earth but that experience really made me think. Some guy who was around number 120 on the world ranking traveled to Dubai, played one match in front of ten non-paying spectators, and within and hour it was all over. Perhaps the profession is not so glamorous after all.

[@jonathana8366]

You're right, its really not, there's a couple good videos and articles about how bad it can be for guys outside the top 100. Not much money, a lot of travel, very lonely. Sometimes playing challengers in places where there's no spectators. The big names live lavishly but at the bottom? It's not glamorous at all.

[@tds7078]

I love how financial literacy on how professionals make their money is becoming more well known. This is really interesting, makes you realize that most players make money from endorsements.

[@philsidock]

I've listened many different tennis podcasts, including episodes that talk about appearance fees, but this was the most detailed conversation by far. Roddick consistently produces top tier content, and I'm so here for it. 🎾

[@ozankabakyesheplayedcentreback]

Googled the Abu Dhabi Story... very interesting that the winner of that 2009 Exhibition received only $250,000k, meanwhile the appearance fee was $500,000k according to Andy. Rafa and Roger probably got paid double or triple the 500k

[@andyroo9381]

It is an obscene amount of money, but we want to see these players in our local venue. I feel like everyone gets a win here.

[@samy29987]

The rich getting richer, that's for sure.

[@markzheng]

Except the tournaments. It’s do it or die. Feels like it makes it hard for the lower ranked players to break through as well

[@JuhoTunkelo]

Yeah. They wouldn’t pay those sums if they weren’t getting the benefits in many ways.

[@stockton350]

Wow. Props to Andy for giving back an appearance free after a sub par performance.

[@1377gypsy]

Hi Andy, I watch tennis tournaments and follow few tennis channels. I definitely think your channel it’s the most interesting for many aspects. Obviously to have a formal professional hi level player who spend time and energy to give his feedback from his experience and knowledge it’s priceless. You are definitely a great communicator and you jump straight to the point of the topic, your topics aren’t boring or granted, that makes everything more interesting. For my personal opinion I would like to have some weekly or every two weeks episode, even a short ones, to analyze and discuss about the tournament just passed ranking and players. Loved your winning predictions. The episode you had with others tennis players were extremely informative and interesting. Not even professional tennis journalists are able to transmit the passion and knowledge you have. Thank you for your work.

[@cephal0d0g11]

Thanks so much for talking about this. The world needs more frank, honest discussions about how stuff actually works.

[@ChasingPhotography]

As a photographer for many years who covered the Memphis tournament, I certainly appreciated your efforts on the court and with the media. You were a class act and a hell of a match to watch, let alone win it all. Thanks, Andy.

[@kylepiscitello8889]

I know you have a general tennis and sports audience, but cmon to people not realizing that appearance fees existed 😂

[@AC-ss5oy]

500K for 3/4th of an hour of work...not bad. 🤣

[@kainaatsingh1178]

I feel that's only fair considering how low the prize money is as compared to other sports. And I don't think players should be ashamed of it. It's just part of the sports culture. Fans also win here who get to see their favorites.

[@TenisAmador]

The thing is: the only guys that actually get good appearance fees are the top seeds, who already make a lot in prize money. The guys that are coming up and actually need the money only get the prize money. Alcaraz had a deal with Rio Open for 3 before he got to #1. His fee is ranking based, though. If he is outside of the Top 5, U$210k. If he is in the top 5, U$375k. If he is #1, U$625k. This is not a hidden thing, though. At least in Brazil, the contract they signed was all over the news.

[@JordanjamesX]

Good for Andy telling tennis fans about this. The top players can make a lot of money from apperance fees.

[@nate1593]

Tennis players either suoer rich or super ooor

[@cpprpenny]

Interesting discussion. Thanks for this.

[@Enjoywatchingyoutube8227]

Thanks can you do a podcast on how much coaches get paid for top mid and lower ranked players if you haven't already.

[@alexhungerford]

The honesty is so fucking welcome. Thank you.

[@VINAKA_Jr]

Had no idea about appearance fees. Really interesting discussion fellas.

[@al1976-v7m]

I knew it was a thing but not how high they were. Sad that the smaller tournaments need to pay them.

[@TheDeadlyKnight]

Can u imagine what Latin American tournaments were offering Nadal? Or trying to offer Alcaraz?

[@jcjohnson0]

Rio must be paying alcaraz a lot of money for him to fly all the down there.

[@astava9322]

we want names of these players who dined and dashed on these appearance fees!

[@Deerjason]

Then they won’t get an appearance fee the next time 😂

[@terancetheindomitable9701]

​@@Deerjason I think Andy was talking about a lot of guys who have already retired. Probably people he played against.

[@terancetheindomitable9701]

I'm thinking Safin has to be on that list.

[@thaothao26]

Tomic?

[@TheTennisDaddy]

Novak was paid 400k appearance money the first and only time he played in Brisbane…Absolutely tanked that first match then went on to Sydney for another appearance fee and played much better…If he went deeper into Brisbanes draw he wouldn’t have been able to play Sydney and the Winners cheque at the time in Brisbane was dismal so realistically I can’t hardly blame him😂

[@boxingod]

I remember Agassi turning down a million because he wanted that time with his family!

[@RK-um9tu]

You can easily turn down a million when you (and your wife) already have millions and millions.

[@fosho8214]

I would imagine golf is the same. I think it's a win for atp250 tournaments like Houston. River Oaks does a great job of getting bunch of the top Americans like Shelton, Fritz, Tiafoe, Paul etc.. plus a few other top names like a kyrgios. A bunch of the Aussies usually show up also which is cool. Plus the players are usually very friendly with the fans.

[@Enjoywatchingyoutube8227]

Thanks, very interesting. The Abu Dhabi money is crazy money but do not want them involved in tennis .

[@MarcoSpeaksNadsat]

Always wondered why Roger played Halle every year, and not the more prestigious Queens.

[@andrewstewart5195]

Hi Andy, do you have any memories of your 'Super-match' in Seoul vs. Novak? I was there way back then... curious about your thoughts. As a customer, it was a shame it wasn't a closer match, but can completely understand if it registers as just a bad day. Hopefully, it was a good time in Seoul in general for you.

[@ndesa-g6c]

Fascinating, insightful and revealing, Andy. I was enthralled with this discussion of appearance fees!

[@amymalina5073]

I went to the last year of the tournament they used to have at UCLA. I think this was a a great event in Andy’s day when he, Andre and Pete were playing. But as the American men became scarcer as they years went on the tournament became harder to get sponsors for I imagine. In 2011 I think was the last year it was mostly players (it was only men) who were ranked like 60 and below. It was still a lot of fun but made me wish I had been there in it’s heyday.

[@RossBayCult]

Just think of most of the big names playing tournaments that they really don’t need to play in terms of prize money or ranking points. You can imagine who they are.

[@ValentinG23]

Why would a tournament pay an appearance fee to a top player who for example won it last year and this year loses the points if he doesn’t play said tournament???

[@nicrow1369]

The player will always have options of other tournaments for the week. Also a lot of players don’t religiously follow the rankings if they’re at that level. There’s also nothing to stop them missing that week, and playing a tournament the week after for example and maybe regaining those points. At the top level they have to schedule in their rest too.

[@mxmus08]

Andy, this would be a perfect segway into how tournaments are run, issues with prize money for lower ranked players, challengers, player council and their role in this etc. James Blake, Feliciano Lopez and Jamie Murray are now tournament directors, so it would be great to hear from them as they've experienced both sides. Keep up the good work.

[@jimbobskullduggery1749]

*segue

[@upstartfenix]

Thanks for the HONEST info.

[@scottross8578]

Fascinating. Do you pay taxes on these fees? How do you do your taxes? I've always wondered. Thanks. Great video.

[@RK-um9tu]

Of course they pay taxes which is why they all have specialized tax accounts familiar with international tax codes...

[@lolvonlolipopp]

Not if they live in Monaco ;)

[@eddyhuang5346]

Wow, does this explain why some top players gets “ousted” from tournaments right before grand slams?

[@JuhoTunkelo]

Maaaaybe. I doubt top players want that kind of an experience just prior to a slam though.. confidence is everything

[@wormo5096]

Corporate sport., lots of brown lipstick.,’ love the canstack in the cave Andy., 🍻

[@MarcoSpeaksNadsat]

I wonder what value Osaka gives for her appearance money.

[@MJ-zb4lv]

When Rafa played DC the first time ever in his career a couple years back, you have to imagine that appearance fee was insane lol. And to Andy's point about players playing their assess off at 4:28, I'm pretty sure Rafa got hurt during his match with Sock, but still finished the match, perhaps due to the fee he was getting. Class act Rafa

[@cynthiar1966]

I heard something like that. Thanks for the verification.🎾

[@crsantin]

Still a case of the rich getting richer. The lower ranked players get nothing and struggle to make it work. You’re paying for transportation, gear, accommodation and healthcare if you need it. So without a sponsor a lower ranked player can’t make it work. I’m not blaming Federer for getting paid, good for him. Tennis is tough for anyone outside the top 30.

[@dadsfreetimeclassicgaming1220]

There was one time in Indianapolis that Andy roddick what's supposed to be in the tournament. And then he bailed out of the tournament saying he was sick or something. Later on he was playing a scrimmage match with Mike the muscle Russell on the iupui tournament practice courts. I was wondering why he didn't play. But I wasn't upset because he was on the side court. I took pictures. It was awesome. The tournament moved to atlanta and that worked to my advantage since i lived there. But the same thing kept happening. Gael monfils would say hes coming. Bails. I did finally get to see that Andy roddick final against a lefty name Mueller. I just assumed they finally gave andy what he wanted in atlanta. Now they went up on the price is so much in Atlanta and it's so damn hot that nobody wants to go. I wonder how much of that is appearance fees because the players just show up and let serves go by them. It is ridiculously hot tho. No lie.

[@ST-xg3gy]

Great topic. Been curious about this for a while.👍

[@metalgearsolidsnake6978]

IS it true that Federer gets millions of dollars to in appearance fees?

[@marcusbrsp]

I never liked that side of it. I firmly believe that the motivation for the players should simply be to win and advance on the rankings.

[@TokyoTennisJunk1e]

I wonder how much Roger got for that long term deal?? 🤑🤑

[@RafCole]

"So Yay For Us" t-shirts will be added to the merch store soon.

[@jackbynum]

I mean honestly, I see this as a good thing because the players are paid so little once you get outside the top 50, that any additional money they can make once they break through (even for a short period of time) I think is very well earned.

[@thysmulder1741]

fascinating, thanks guys !

[@selvammascarenhas3020]

Some of my Usta players wants appearance fees

[@Southpaw101]

Great info

[@sharonjaynelau3]

Would be great to have an interview with Jamie Murray the latest Queen's Tournament Director - what he learnt? What's new to him? I know you already did one with Blake but feels like Queen's would be very different esp now is grass season. How's a tournament run differently when it's directed by an existing player like Jamie Murray is.

[@luvaholic]

I've always loved Andy and it's so refreshing to have someone so well spoken, direct and just a down to earth kind of person.

[@ROYAL_REBEL]

Big 3 were paid up to $2MIL per tournament (ATP250 + ATP500). Now, the young top players can command up to $ 1 million. If they bail out at the last minute, they keep the money but still have to appear. And sometimes you see some top players intentionally "lose" during R1 or R2 (or feign a minor injury, then play an exhibition in a week), But then the fans will go, "Aw, don't be sad, you can't win everything. You'll win the next one." 🤪🤪🤪 What they need to know is the loss was by design. 🤣

[@HuhHa-pm8fc]

your channel is awesome man

[@kingston4313]

Nadal on clay, damn

[@chuntophilus]

Its Annoying though, as a paying spectator (tennis tickets are not cheap) in Dubai when you have players not playing their best. Putting in a bare minimum of effort for the pay check. Curious to know what appearance fees are offered in Dubai. I assume Abu Dhabi pays more -

[@adida10is]

No different than other Sports Celebrities. But should also mention the taxes because the figures are not all what they get to keep

[@XxXyzxX]

Most top players reside in tax havens so they barely pay any taxes except the income tax paid at the location of the tournament they compete in.

[@adida10is]

@@XxXyzxX The IRS taxes are based on worldwide income. US citizens would need to renounce their citizenship to avoid this. US companies set up offshore entities but tennis players have no such escape.

[@kimmketelsen1079]

It would be interesting to know how much Rod Laver would get. Back in the day😁

[@RK-um9tu]

Free room and board...

[@miketomlin6040]

Is there an element of a tax scam here? Why not just inrease the prize money if a tournament has extra cash?

[@JuhoTunkelo]

I guess it’s possible there are benefits but wouldn’t an appearance fee mostly be to guarantee a certain level of talent which in turn brings in audiences and sponsors

[@ricepaddies1]

Hair Club for Men? Are you a member?

[@aol6983]

Andy is fantastic to listen to, always very open and no BS. What a player he was too in his prime, great grass court player.