Is Jannik Sinner underpaid after winning $1.15 million in Miami Open? John Isner raises serious questions

Jannik Sinner is winning almost everything right now, but one detail from his latest titles has sparked a strong reaction. After his big run across Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo, the prize money he received has become a talking point. John Isner and others believe something is not right with how winners are being paid today, even as the sport keeps growing.

John Isner questions ATP prize money after Jannik Sinner earns less than past winners despite bigger events

John Isner did not hold back when he spoke about the prize money situation. Speaking on the Nothing Major Podcast, he compared his own earnings from 2018 with what Jannik Sinner received this year.He said, “At The Masters 1000 events, the winner’s cheque has gone down. When I won Miami in 2018 I won more money for winning the title than Sinner did this year in 2026. They have spread the prize money out and there is more total prize money. But the winner’s share was $200,000 less, give or take, in 2026 than it was in 2018. That’s insane, it’s absurd. No sport in the world has that going on right now. It’s ridiculous.”The numbers support his point. Sinner earned about $1,151,380 for winning both Indian Wells and Miami this year. But back in 2018, Isner took home around $1,340,860 for winning Miami. That is a clear drop for the winner, even though the overall prize pool has increased.This same pattern has also been seen in other big events like Madrid, Shanghai, and Paris. The total money in tennis is going up, but the winner’s share is getting smaller. That is what many players and former players are now questioning.

Jannik Sinner’s form, Monte Carlo win, and fitness concerns ahead of Madrid Open decision

While the money debate continues, Jannik Sinner’s performance on court has been outstanding. He completed the Sunshine Double by winning Indian Wells and Miami, becoming only the seventh man to do it. Soon after, he carried that form into Monte Carlo and won his first title there.He also put together an incredible run of 37 straight sets won, which is one of the longest streaks in men’s tennis. That run finally ended when Tomas Machac beat him in the Round of 16.There were also signs of physical stress during that match. Sinner was seen holding his back, which raised concerns about his fitness. Even so, he stayed calm and finished his campaign strongly.Now, the focus is on whether he will play the Madrid Open, which starts on April 20. Sinner made it clear he will not rush the decision.He said, “I’ll take 2-3 days off and then we’ll decide with my team whether we’ll go to Madrid or not.” If he skips Madrid, his next likely stop will be Rome next month.