Tennis: How Roger Federer became richer than Elton John, Kim ­Kardashian and the Queen

Roger Federer. Photo / AP

Roger Federer boosted his bank balance by a reported $446 million on Monday night, marking his 20th straight Wimbledon appearance with a new clothing deal.

The 36-year-old eight-time Wimbledon champion penned a contract with Japanese apparel giant Uniqlo, virtually severing a two-decade association with Nike in the process.

His deal has been widely estimated to be worth $408 million over 10 years, compared to the $13.6 million he was reportedly making each year from US heavyweight Nike.

According to the Sun, Federer has won $157 million in prize money to date, which is nothing compared to his $1 billion-plus that he has earned in sponsorships.

So what makes the Swiss star such a magnet for corporate sponsorships?

Part of it, is of course his unparalleled success on the tennis court, the other being his almost spotless public image. Federer's clean image makes him a particularly attractive draw for commercial sponsors.

Public relations Mark Borkowski says Federer is the "perfect package."

"When this man loses there's no ­tantrums. He is incredibly warm to people when they beat him. He's the sort of perfect package," Borkowski told the Sun.

"He is the ultimate pro. He's always delivered and at the height of his career he was winning everything in front of him.

"Brands want winners. Sponsors want to be associated with winners."

Reluctant to discuss figures, Federer is now in a league of his own when it comes to career earnings.

Forbes recently ranked him as raking in around $105 million last year alone in endorsements and prize money. According to Forbes, only basketball superstar LeBron James and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo are in the same earnings bracket.

According to the Sun, Federer is richer than Kim Kardashian, Elton John and even the Queen of England.

"I was excited to wear Uniqlo today. I must tell you, it's been a long time coming," said Federer about his latest sponsorship deal.

For the moment, Nike reportedly retains the rights to Federer's iconic 'RF' logo but the Swiss star anticipates ownership of that too in good time.

"The RF logo is with Nike, but it will come to me at some point," he added. "I hope rather sooner than later, that Nike can be nice and helpful in the process to bring it over to me.

"It's also something that was very important for me, for the fans really.

"They are my initials. They are mine. The good thing is it's not theirs forever."

Federer insists that he has not had a full divorce from Nike — hence the US company's shoes on the feet of the 20-time grand slam winner.

And it certainly isn't under Nike's best interests to completely part ways with the tennis star.

Regardless, Federer – a genius on the court and incredibly business savvy off it – seems like he's doing just fine.

Roger Federer's career by the numbers

Prize money: $157m

Won 20 Grand Slams including:

Wimbledon 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017

Australian Open 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018

French Open 2009

US Open 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Sponsorship $1 billion:

$412m – Uniqlo

$172m – Nike (just expired)

$115m – NetJets private jets

$68m – Mercedes-Benz

$53m – Barilla Pasta

$47m – Sunrise telecoms

$44m – Jura coffee

$41m – Moet & Chandon

$44m – Lindt

$32m – Wilson

$26m – Credit Suisse

$20m – Rolex Fee undisclosed – Gilette

Vehicles:

Six Mercedes including $270,000 AMG SLS Roadster and private jet

Bling:

Wife Mirka's emerald and diamond Rolex worth $680,000

His Rolex Sky Dweller is worth $53,000

Houses:

$27m glass mansion on shore of Lake Zurich

Holiday home in Swiss Alps

Penthouse in Le Reve tower, Dubai