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How did Roger Federer become the richest tennis player in the world – and how does he spend his millions?

Roger Federer is officially the richest tennis player in the world. Photo: AFP
Roger Federer is officially the richest tennis player in the world. Photo: AFP

A mansion in Zurich, a penthouse in Dubai – and a different Rolex for every trophy he wins

At 38 years of age, Roger Federer is still playing some of the best tennis of his career, and turning it into tournament trophies.

The former world number one is one of the most successful players of all time. He has won the men's singles tournament at Wimbledon alone eight times since 2003, as well as 20 Grand Slam singles titles all over the world.

For me, the ranking, at 37 years old, is no longer really the priority
Roger Federer

Federer is not only one of the most talented athletes on the planet, but also one of the richest. Federer was recently declared the highest-paid tennis player for the 14th straight year, with US$93.4 million from prize money, endorsements and appearance fees in the 12 months ending June 1, according to Forbes.

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Federer has won a total of US$123.6 million in prize money to date– slightly less than current world number one Novak Djokovic’s career winnings of US$131.0 million – but this is far from the Swiss master’s only income stream.

As well as tournament winnings, sponsorship deals with companies from Rolex to Credit Suisse also contribute to his wealth – which can only increase after the Swiss star signed a US$300 million sponsorship deal with Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo last year.

Roger Federer celebrates another match point, against Damir Dzuhmur, at the 2019 US Open. Photo: USA Today
Roger Federer celebrates another match point, against Damir Dzuhmur, at the 2019 US Open. Photo: USA Today

Federer has been a force to be reckoned with on the hard courts this year, winning the Dubai Tennis Championships, the Miami Open and reaching the final of Indian Wells Masters. This streak has helped see Federer rise from seventh in the world in February, back up to third today, in the ATP Tour men’s singles rankings.

He's not too interested in his current ranking, though.

“For me, the ranking, at 37 years old, is no longer really the priority,” Federer said at a media event earlier this year. Instead, he’s focusing on his health and winning the big tournaments, which might mean skipping smaller – and less lucrative – events here and there.