Federer opts out of French Open, to safeguard his Wimbledon interest

By
Our Correspondent
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On court this might not have been a year for Roger Federer befitting his stature, but that in no way has affected the Swiss tennis icon’s domination in the brand market. Federer, who had to miss the Olympics and is not competing the year ending Major US Open, is the highest-earning tennis player of the year, reveals the latest list released by the business journal Forbes. Collectively, tennis’ ten highest-paid players made $320 million over the last 12 months, down 6% from last year’s total of $340 million. The Forbes magazine has reported Federer’s pretax earnings at $90.6 million for the past 12 months. The on-court revenue contributes to less than a million to his total earnings. Naomi Osaka, who was in news for opting out of the Wimbledon citing mental health issues, is in the second position with aggregate income of $60.1 million. A sharp contract to Federer, on court revenue contributed 90% of her total revenue. In the number three position, Serena Williams has aggregated $ 41.8 million. This include $40 million in off-court revenue. Novak Djokovic, who this year was in contention for the Golden Slam since he crashed out in the Tokyo Olympics semi-finals, is placed fourth with total revenue of $ 38 million - $ 8 million by playing and $30 million from other sources. Rafael Nadal, taking time off as he manages a rare condition known as Müller-Weiss disease or Müller-Weiss syndrome, in the 5th position has earned $27 million in 2021 - his on-court revenue being $ 4 million. The other top ten contenders included: 6. Kei Nishikori $ 26 mn – on-court: $1m and off-court $25 mn; 7. Daniel Medvedev $13.9 – on-court: 5.9 mn and off-court: 8mn; 8. Dominic Thiem $8.9 mn – on-court: $4.9 mn and off-court $4 mn; 9. Stefanos Tsitsipas $8.1 mn – on court: 4.1 mn and off-court $ 4mn; and 10. Ashleigh Barty $5.8 mn – on-court $3.8mn and off-court $2mn.
Despite being off-colour on the court, Roger Federer continues to dominate the tennis players' revenue charts.

Roger Federer has opted out of the French Open ahead of his pre-quarterfinal battle with Matteo Berrettini today (Monday). The focus is clear. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has prioritised his happy hunting ground Wimbledon over the Roland Garros ambitions.

Federer and Rolland Garros had dropped enough hints on Sunday that the40-year-old Swiss legend might not turn up for his fourth round match. Federer has now announced that he did not want to push himself too much. The French Open organisers too have confirmed that.

“After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery,” tweeted Federer with the promise to “see everyone soon!”

Federer had returned to the Grand Slam action after 487 days when took to the red clay courts at the Roland Garros in Paris on May 31. Appearance was more customary in fashion. A shot at the title where he had won only one of his 20 Grand Slam crowns never appeared on his realistic priority list.

“I’m just realistic that I know I will not win the French and whoever thought I would or could win it is wrong,” Federer had said going into the Roland Garros following an early Geneva Open exit.

French Open organisers later issued a Press release to confirm that Federer is out of the tournament.

Federer will now be back in action at the Halle Open next week en route to the Wimbledon, where he will be eyeing a ninth title at the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club courts. It made little sense for Federer to trouble is operated knee.

Though he has promised to “see all soon” it appears Federer has played his last Grand Slam singles match at the Roland Garros.

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