Sachia Vickery, in US Open qualifying, charges $1,000 for dates

American tennis player Sachia Vickery, competing in the US Open 2025 qualifying in New York, sparked controversy by announcing on social media that she charges $1,000 (approximately R$5,400) for romantic dates, citing “inappropriate male behavior” as the reason. The statement, made days before her second-round match against Germany’s Ella Seidel, drew mixed reactions from fans and critics. Vickery, currently ranked 559th in the WTA, also revealed she has been creating content for adult platforms like OnlyFans since January, viewing it as a significant income source. Despite the controversy, the 30-year-old athlete insists she will not abandon tennis, aiming to balance her sports career with new social media opportunities. The news, published on August 21, 2025, highlights a pivotal moment in the athlete’s life as she navigates physical and professional challenges while striving to shine in the year’s final Grand Slam.

Vickery’s decision to charge for dates was shared during an Instagram Q&A session, where she has about 39,000 followers. The tennis player, sidelined since February due to injuries, used her recovery period to explore new revenue streams. Her entry into OnlyFans, announced earlier this year, sparked both criticism and support, with Vickery defending it as a means of financial independence.

• Reason for the fee: inappropriate male behavior during dates.
• Platform used: Instagram for the announcement and CashApp ($Sachiavick) for deposits.
• Professional context: Vickery is in the US Open qualifying, facing Ella Seidel.

The tennis player’s statement comes at a critical juncture in her career as she attempts to return to the professional circuit after months away.

Public reaction to Vickery’s decision

Vickery’s choice to charge $1,000 for dates ignited heated debates on social media and in the sports press. Many tennis fans, accustomed to the sport’s traditionally elegant image, criticized her stance, deeming it incompatible with the sport’s values. Some online comments questioned her professionalism, while others accused her of sensationalism. Conversely, supporters, including figures from the women’s empowerment movement, praised her transparency and autonomy.

Unfazed by the criticism, Vickery, who faced financial struggles early in her career, discussed her OnlyFans venture on the Black Spin Global podcast, noting that it brought significant profits in just days. She described her content as “light” and reiterated that tennis remains her priority, though she is eager to explore further social media opportunities.

• Main criticisms: clashing with tennis’s image and accusations of opportunism.
• Support received: praise for independence and challenging taboos.
• OnlyFans earnings: thousands of dollars in two days, per Vickery.
• Tennis focus: Vickery vows to continue her athletic career.

The controversy underscores tensions between tennis’s traditional image and modern monetization strategies, particularly for lower-ranked players.

Vickery’s tennis journey

Sachia Vickery, born May 11, 1995, in Miramar, Florida, to Guyanese parents, has a career marked by resilience. A former USTA junior champion, she peaked at 73rd in the WTA rankings in 2018, reaching the semifinals of WTA events in Auckland and Monterrey, defeating players like Agnieszka Radwańska and Garbiñe Muguruza. Injuries and financial challenges, however, disrupted her progress, leading to periods of instability.

Now ranked 559th, Vickery returned to the US Open with qualifying wins, including against Anastasiia Sobolieva in the first round. Her match against Ella Seidel on August 21, 2025, is a critical test in her bid to regain competitive form. The US Open holds special significance for Vickery, who has reached the second round in four editions.

• Peak ranking: 73rd in July 2018.
• Key achievements: semifinals in Auckland and Monterrey (2018).
• US Open record: second round in four tournaments.
• Recent challenges: injuries sidelining her since February 2025.

Vickery’s journey mirrors the struggles of lower-ranked tennis players, who often seek alternative income sources to sustain their careers.

OnlyFans and financial impact

Vickery’s move to OnlyFans, a platform known for adult content, aligns with a growing trend among athletes in less lucrative sports. Charging $12.99 monthly, she offers content described as “too spicy for Instagram.” Vickery revealed that her initial earnings exceeded expectations, providing financial security that her current tennis level cannot.

Her approach mirrors that of other athletes, like Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios, who also joined OnlyFans. With roughly $2 million in career prize money over 14 years, Vickery’s earnings pale compared to stars like Serena Williams or Iga Swiatek, making her side ventures critical.

• Monthly subscription: $12.99 on OnlyFans.
• Initial earnings: thousands of dollars in two days.
• Career prize money: $2 million over 14 years.
• Other athletes: Nick Kyrgios also on OnlyFans.

Vickery’s choice highlights how digital platforms are reshaping athletes’ financial strategies, particularly in highly competitive, lower-paying sports.

Vickery’s US Open outlook

Vickery’s participation in the US Open 2025 qualifying, held in New York from August 18 to 22, offers a chance to rebuild her confidence and visibility. The tournament boasts a record prize pool, with $5 million for the singles champion and $27,500 for first-round qualifying losses. Advancing to the main draw would be a significant milestone for Vickery, both financially and professionally.

Her opponent, Ella Seidel, a 20-year-old German, comes off strong performances, including the fourth round in Cincinnati’s WTA 1000. Despite Seidel’s momentum, Vickery’s experience and history in New York could level the playing field. She aims to leverage her resilience amid off-court scrutiny.

• US Open prize money: $5 million for champion, $27,500 for qualifying first round.
• Opponent: Ella Seidel, 20, strong in Cincinnati.
• Vickery’s record: four second-round US Open appearances.
• Match date: August 21, 2025, second qualifying round.

Vickery’s blend of on-court performance and off-court marketing places her at a unique crossroads of talent and personal branding.

Professionalism debate in tennis

Vickery’s actions raise questions about professionalism in tennis, a sport historically tied to discretion and elegance. Charging for dates and creating adult content challenge these norms, particularly at a high-profile event like the US Open. While some view her moves as undermining the sport’s image, others see them as a necessary adaptation in a competitive market where only the top 100 players earn a living solely from tennis.

Vickery remains defiant, prioritizing financial and emotional independence. Her story reflects the reality of many athletes who, far from stardom, must innovate to fund their careers. The debate over her choices is likely to persist as she balances tennis and her public persona.

• Tennis norms: emphasis on elegance and discretion.
• Financial reality: only top 100 live solely off tennis.
• Vickery’s stance: focus on independence and authenticity.
• Sport’s impact: debate over modernization versus tradition.