Forbes: Federer becomes second highest-paid athlete

Roger Federer is now the second highest-paid athlete in all of sports and the first in tennis. According to Forbes newest list of the top 100 highest-paid athletes, Federer earn $71.5 million in 2012, including prize money and appearance fees. Tiger Woods is the biggest earner of all sports.

Federer at Roland Garros 2013 (Photo © FFT, via RG Facebook)

Forbes says the Swiss "has the most impressive endorsement portfolio in sports, with 10 sponsors that collectively pay him more than $40 million annually, including long-term deals with Nike, Rolex, Wilson and Credit Suisse". Moet&Chandon joined his list of sponsors in November. (See “How Roger Federer Makes $71 Million A Year”).

Maria Sharapova is the second tennis player to make Forbes Top 100 list, making the 22nd position, before Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The Russian is the world's highest-paid female athlete for the ninth straight time. In 2012, Masha earn $29 million, including around $23 million only in endorsements. 

Other tennis players included on the list are Novak Djokovic (28th position, $26.9 million), Rafael Nadal  (30th, $26.4 million), Serena Williams (68th, $20.5 million) and Li Na (85th, $18.2 million).

Forbes Top 100 features six tennis players, three of which are the only female athletes in all sports making the list.