New Delhi: Despite not competing in a match for over 14 months, former world number one Roger Federer remained at the top of the list of tennis players earning the highest salaries for the 17th consecutive year, according to Forbes.
Federer, 41, hasn't played since Wimbledon last year because of knee problems that have plagued the Swiss legend in his later years of action. The money came from "endorsements, appearances and other commercial efforts," yet the 20-time Grand Slam winner still earned an estimated $90 million before taxes and agents' fees during the past 12 months to top the list.
The second-highest earner on the list is Naomi Osaka of Japan, who owns four major titles and earned $56.2 million in the previous 12 months. LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, and the 24-year-old formed a new sports agency and media firm together in June. She earns more than Serena Williams, who is scheduled to retire after the U.S. Open. Serena Williams is the highest-paid female tennis player.
Williams has earned $35.1 million this year and holds number third on the Forbes list, surpassing both Novak Djokovic ($27.1 million) and Rafael Nadal the previous men's number one.
Rafael Nadal ($31.4 million) holds the fourth position on the other his long-term rival Novak Djokovic holds the fifth position ($27.1 million).
U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu made her debut on the list after she shot to stardom last year when she became the first qualifier in the Open Era to capture a Grand Slam title. Emma has been listed sixth on the list. The world number one and U.S. Open winner for men, Daniil Medvedev, is seventh on the list with $19.3 million, while a British youngster is sixth with $21.1 million.
Kei Nishikori ($13.2 million) of Japan and Venus Williams of the United States ($12 million) are eighth and ninth while Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz ($10.9 million) holds the top 10.