Roger Federer is first tennis player – ever – to top FORBES highest paid athlete list

Roger Federer broke new ground—for himself and his sport—after the 20-time major champion out-earned every other athlete by pulling in $106.3 million over the past 12 months.

Federer, who ranked fifth in the 2019 edition, became the first tennis player to top the list thanks to lucrative sponsorships and appearance fees tallying $100 million, joining Tiger Woods as the only active athlete to achieve this in a single year. The 38-year-old’s endorsement portfolio features 13 brands that have paid out between $3 million and $30 million, with Rolex, Credit Suisse, Mercedes-Benz and Wilson remaining on board for over a decade.

Federer’s highest previous Forbes ranking was No. 2 in 2013, when Woods added to his record 12 first-place rankings. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic came in at No. 23 on this year’s list, with $44.6 million ($32 million from endorsements and appearances), while Rafael Nadal ranked not far behind at No. 27 with $40 million ($26 million from endorsements and appearances). Kei Nishikori grabbed the No. 40 spot with $32.1 million ($31 million from endorsements and appearances).