With 20 Grand Slam titles, 310 weeks as world number one, and over $131 million in prize money, Roger Federer established himself as one of the greatest in history. But his on-court earnings were only a part of his fortune. According to Forbes, the Swiss star amassed close to $1 billion thanks to endorsements with brands like Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, and Moët & Chandon, as well as strategic investments.
A key example was his involvement with the Swiss sports footwear company On. By acquiring a 3% stake in the company in 2019, Federer helped drive its growth into a global brand. When the company went public in 2021, his investment multiplied, adding hundreds of millions to his net worth. Thus, by 2025, his fortune exceeded $1.1 billion, making him the seventh athlete in history to reach billionaire status.
Ion Tiriac, the pioneering tennis billionaire
Although Federer’s news made global headlines, history shows he wasn’t the first. Decades earlier, Romanian Ion Tiriac had already entered the exclusive billionaire club. Known as the “Bulldozer of Braov,” Tiriac had a respectable career: he won the Roland Garros doubles title in 1970 and played in three Davis Cup finals with Romania.
His true success came after retirement, when he founded the Tiriac Group, a conglomerate with ventures in banking, automobiles, real estate, and insurance. In 1990, he created Romania’s first private bank, and by 2007, Forbes listed him as a billionaire with a fortune exceeding $1 billion. He also built a famous luxury car collection, featuring historic pieces once owned by celebrities like Elton John.
Federer and Tiriac, two paths to wealth
The difference between the two reflects how sports can open doors to different models of success. Federer built his fortune through global image and strategic partnerships, while Tiriac laid the foundation through diversified business ventures after hanging up his racket.
Beyond the numbers, Federer has sought to leave a different kind of legacy. In his 2024 Dartmouth speech, he reminded the audience that “life is bigger than the court,” emphasizing the importance of inspiring others, supporting social causes, and enjoying time with family.
In conclusion, Federer wasn’t the first tennis billionaire, but he is the one who best exemplifies how an athlete can transcend the sport and turn their legacy into something far greater than titles and trophies.
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