Morgan Riddle Outearns Boyfriend Taylor Fritz at Australian Open Through Brand Deals
American tennis star Taylor Fritz entered the Australian Open as the world No. 9 and one of the United States' most prominent tennis players. However, when his tournament concluded, he did not emerge as the highest earner in his own household. That distinction went to his girlfriend, Morgan Riddle, an influencer and model who surpassed his tournament earnings through lucrative brand partnerships and social media growth.
Prize Money Versus Brand Earnings
Fritz, aged 28, earned €277,000 (approximately £240,000) after reaching the round of 16 at the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne. In contrast, Riddle, also 28, generated around €290,000 (about £251,000) during the same event, as reported by Bild. This financial outcome turned Riddle's pre-tournament joke into reality—she had humorously predicted that Fritz needed to advance beyond the round of 16 to avoid being out-earned by her.
Fritz's Australian Open run ended earlier than anticipated with a straight-sets loss to Italy's Lorenzo Musetti on Monday. Despite the on-court disappointment, the couple celebrated a financial victory, with Riddle proudly referring to their situation as a dual-income household.
How Morgan Riddle Built Her Earnings
Morgan Riddle was not merely a spectator in Melbourne; she was actively working. The American model and influencer gained over 7,000 new Instagram followers during the Australian Open, bringing her total close to 500,000 followers. Her expanding social media reach enabled her to secure high-paying deals in the fashion and beauty sectors.
Riddle's professional portfolio includes appearing on the cover of Vogue and collaborating with major brands in fashion and cosmetics. She has also partnered with prestigious events like Wimbledon and engaged in Formula One projects. These diverse opportunities collectively boosted her earnings above Fritz's prize money for the tournament.
The Competitive Dynamic and Industry Reactions
In candid remarks about their relationship, Riddle revealed, It's almost a competition between us at Grand Slams and other tournaments to see who earns more money during the tournament. She emphasized Fritz's support, stating, He's always encouraged and supported me. That's how we became a dual-income household.
Riddle has garnered attention not only for her earnings but also for her stylish outfits and courtside presence in Melbourne. She first gained viral fame at the US Open while cheering for Fritz in high heels. At the Australian Open, her photo with the caption This is my excited face quickly gained traction online.
However, this trend has sparked debate within the tennis community. Former top-20 player Daria Saville expressed concerns, questioning why influencers often receive more brand deals than players. She noted, Female tennis players aren't getting these advertising deals. It's actually the players' wives who fit the aesthetic image better than us sweaty tennis players. Saville added that a video of her watching her husband play achieved more success than content from her professional tennis career.
This incident highlights the evolving landscape of sports earnings, where social media influence and brand partnerships can sometimes rival or exceed traditional prize money in tennis and other sports.
