In the world of tennis, two of the most legendary players to grace the court are Roger Federer and Serena Williams. While they have both achieved incredible success throughout their careers, there is a significant difference in the amount of prize money earned. So just how much does Federer earn more than Williams and why?
First, let’s take a look at their respective careers. Federer, the Swiss maestro, has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles and eight Grand Slam doubles titles. He has been ranked the world No. 1 in singles by the ATP for a record 310 weeks. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and has amassed an enormous fan base around the world.
Serena Williams, on the other hand, is a powerhouse of the tennis world with 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles to her name. She has also been ranked the world No. 1 in singles by the WTA on eight separate occasions. Her incredible skill on the court has earned her legions of fans and made her one of the most iconic figures in women’s sports.
Roger Federer is on his way to becoming the first tennis billionaire.
But did you know…
It was three clever $300M business moves that helped him get there, not tennis.
Federer’s 3 best investments: pic.twitter.com/GAzBap4GPN
— Andrew Petcash (@AndrewPetcash) July 5, 2022
Despite their similar levels of success, there is a significant difference in the amount of prize money each has earned. According to Forbes, as of 2021, Federer’s career prize money earnings were $130 million, while Williams’ career was $94 million.
Why is there such a large gap in earnings between the two players?
One of the main factors is the difference in revenue generated by men’s and women’s tennis. Men’s tennis tends to attract larger crowds. Hence, generates higher television ratings than women’s tennis, which translates into bigger prize pools. This is due in part to differences in media coverage, advertising, and sponsorship opportunities.
First and foremost, Federer is one of the most popular and marketable athletes in the world. He has a huge global fan base and has secured numerous lucrative endorsement deals over the years. These endorsement deals, which include partnerships with brands like Nike, Rolex, and Mercedes-Benz, have contributed significantly to Federer’s overall earnings. One of the most significant ones is the genius UniQlo deal making Roger Federer the only billionaire in Tennis History.
WATCH: Serena Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams and other celebrities attended Italian luxury brand Moncler’s live show at London Fashion Week #LFW https://t.co/ktnHFErLBz pic.twitter.com/RIr8go8t3M
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 26, 2023
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Another factor that contributes to the pay gap is the number of sets played in men’s and women’s matches. In Grand Slams, the tournaments with the highest prize money, men play best-of-five-set matches. While women play best-of-three-set matches. This means that men have the potential to play more tennis and earn more prize money than women in the same tournament.
Despite the pay gap, both Federer and Williams continue to inspire fans around the world with their incredible dedication to the sport. Their legacies will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of tennis players and fans alike. However, there is undoubtedly a significant difference in the amount of money earned by Roger Federer and Serena Williams.
