Roger Federer eclipsed Novak Djokovic’s career earnings by $168m thanks to one decision
Roger Federer has out-earned Novak Djokovic by a staggering $168 million – not through his backhand or forehand, but thanks to a savvy investment decision.
While Federer’s on-court earnings exceeded $130M over his 24-year tennis career, Djokovic has pocketed about $186M in prize money during his 22 years and counting in the sport. Despite retiring in 2022, Federer’s financial plays have served him well off the court, too.
The Swiss athlete’s smart move was buying a 3% stake in running shoe brand On Running right before it went public in September 2021. With Federer’s golden touch, the company’s value spiked to a whopping $12 billion, and as the stock price soared to $24 per share, Federer’s slice of the pie ballooned to an astonishing $360M.
That’s nearly triple what he earned from tennis alone and almost twice Djokovic’s career takings. On Running has been vocal about Federer’s impact, with a spokesperson telling Tennis365 last year that his involvement has been pivotal to the brand’s success.
A company spokesperson said: “Roger’s contribution towards the success and immense popularity of The ROGER Pro is unquestionable and he continues to be one of On’s most admired innovation leaders.
“Roger’s wealth of knowledge and expertise has been instrumental in every aspect of the performance design and technology adapted to meet the demands of the game.”
As the Miami Open presses on with the remaining matches of the round of 32 planned for today (Monday, March 24), Djokovic is preparing for his upcoming clash in the round of 16. Now set to face Lorenzo Musetti on March 25, Djokovic holds an impressive track record in Miami.
A past master of the ‘Sunshine Double’, the Serbian ace has clinched this coveted tennis accomplishment on four spectacular occasions.
Throughout his career, Djokovic has claimed the Miami Open crown six times and boasts 45 victories in the tournament. He’s also secured the title at the Indian Wells Masters conjointly with the Miami Open four times within the same year.
His dominance is such that he achieved the ‘Sunshine Double’ for three consecutive years, making it look almost routine compared to Federer, who has captured this achievement three times in total throughout his career.
Federer himself has been a formidable force at the Miami Open, securing the championship four times and tallying up the second-highest number of wins (56), trailing only behind the legendary Andre Agassi’s record of 61 tournament triumphs and an equal number of titles.
While Federer’s ‘Sunshine Double’ count stands at three – one shy of Djokovic – he, like many other tennis enthusiasts, will be watching with bated breath to see which new tennis sensation will next etch their name into the annals of the ‘Sunshine Double’ legacy.
Jack Draper was on track to achieve a double victory following his win at the Indian Wells Masters, but a loss to Jakub Mensik over the weekend dashed those hopes. Fans will now have to wait another year to see if anyone can join the exclusive club of players who have won both tournaments in the same competitive season.