By Nick Georgandis
(June 16, 2011) Money supposedly can’t buy happiness, but for Roger Federer, notching $52.8 million in winnings and endorsements for the past 12 months probably isn’t making him too sad, either.
Sports Illustrated released its lists of the Top 50 highest earning American athletes and Top 20 international athletes on Thursday, with Federer topping the global list by a slim margin, just $281,000. He's just head of Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, who earned $52.5 million in the past 12 months.
The 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer easily outpaces close rival Rafael Nadal, who earned $31.5 million to rank seventh, up from ninth a year ago. Federer was also No. 1 in 2010.
No other tennis players graced the international Top 20 list, nor the American Top 50 list, topped by Tiger Woods, who earned $62.3 million.
While Nadal far oustripped Federer in 2010 winnings on the ATP Tour, mostly by winning three of the four Grand Slam tournaments, the Swiss’ endorsement deals made the difference. Among others, Federer endorses Nike, Rolex, Wilson, Gilette, Jura, Mercedes-Benz and Lindt chocolate.