Roger Federer's annual sponsorship earnings alone surpass the combined earnings of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic by $10 million.
The Swiss tennis legend bid farewell to Nike in 2018 and signed a lucrative deal with UNIQLO, valued at approximately $300 million for ten years, which amounts to $30 million per year.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Federer's contract with UNIQLO is the clause that ensures he receives this money even if he stops playing tennis. Indeed, Roger retired definitively in 2022, during the Laver Cup.
While both Nadal and Djokovic earn around $10 million each year through their technical sponsorships with Nike and Lacoste, respectively, their combined earnings still do not reach the astronomical figure that Federer achieves.
A clear example of Federer's financial dominance is that in 2020, his total earnings exceeded $106 million, of which only $6 million came from tournament prizes.
In addition to his contract with UNIQLO, Federer also serves as an ambassador for luxury brands such as Rolex, Louis Vuitton, and Switzerland Tourism. He is one of the highest-earning athletes in advertising history and ranks among the top 10 highest earners, amassing over 1 billion dollars.
The list highlights Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Floyd Mayweather, and Michael Jordan.
On the other hand, it's worth noting that Nadal is an ambassador for brands such as Santander, Emporio Armani, Babolat, and Richard Mille, with an estimated net worth of around $220 million. As for Djokovic, he has deals with Lacoste, Head, Asics, Hublot, and Raiffeisen Bank.
It is undeniable that Roger Federer's influence extends beyond the tennis courts, making him a true global icon and role model for many. His success in sports, combined with his presence in the world of fashion and luxury, has ensured a lasting legacy for the retired athlete.
Career prize money (rounded to the nearest million) $148 million Novak Djokovic $130 million Roger Federer $124 million Rafael Nadal $94 million Serena Williams $62 million Andy Murray $43 million Pete Sampras $42 million Venus Williams $39 million Maria Sharapova
