Roger Federer highest-paid player in tennis

Roger Federer is the highest earning athlete in tennis, according to the annual Forbes’ list. Federer, who is also the highest-earning individual athlete in any sport, amassed a total of US$67.8m in 2015.

Novak Djokovic was second on the list (US$55.8m) with Rafa Nadal third ($37.5m). As we reported earlier in the week, Serena Williams leapt ahead of Maria Sharapova to become the highest paid female athlete in the world, amassing $28.9m to Maria’s US$21.9m.

They are the only two female athletes in the Top 100.

The list, which analyses the combined salaries or winnings of the athletes with their endorsement deals, shows the extraordinary power of Federer’s many sponsorship deals. The Swiss star has enjoyed long and lucrative partnerships with the likes of Nike, Rolex and Mercedes-Benz, bringing in US$60m per year. In comparison, Novak Djokovic’s endorsements totalled $34m.

Those endorsements allowed Federer to stay ahead of the World No.1 in the earnings league, despite the Serb winning US$21.8m on the court, compared to Federer’s US$7.8m. Serena Williams was the second highest on-court earner (man or woman) with US$8.9m.

Both men trailed far behind the highest earning athlete in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese footballer amassed US$88m in 2015.

The World’s Highest-Paid Atheletes
Tennis

4. Roger Federer
Pay: $67.8m
Salary / winnings: $7.8m
Endorsements: $60m

6. Novak Djokovic
Pay: $55.8m
Salary / winnings: $21.8m
Endorsements: $34m

21. Rafael Nadal
Pay: $37.5m
Salary / winnings: $5.5m
Endorsement: $32m

29. Kei Nishikori
Pay: $33.5m
Salary / winnings: $3.5m
Endorsements: $30m

40. Serena Williams
Pay: $28.9m
Salary / winnings: $8.9m
Endorsements: $20m

74. Andy Murray
Pay: $23m
Salary / winnings: $8m
Endorsements: $15m

88. Maria Sharapova
Pay: $21.9 M
Salary / winnings: $1.9m
Endorsements: $20m