Federer Faces Criticism! Insider: He's Always Thinking About Money, Nadal Is More Authentic

The eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer has long been synonymous with elegance, grace, and humility both on and off the court. His playing style reflects these qualities: fluid, composed, relying on impeccable timing and precision. In contrast, his great rival Nadal built his legend through relentless fighting spirit and physical resilience, with his powerful topspin forehand and tireless court coverage showcasing his competitive drive. However, perhaps no one understands the unique ways these two superstars manifested greatness better than a Roland Garros staff member.

Gilles Jourdan is a project director who participated in the renovation of Roland Garros stadium. Since the late 1970s, he has managed the venue and maintained close contact with many players competing at the French Open. He recalls that during their playing careers, Nadal left a more personal impression on him than Federer.

“Nadal is more likable than Federer. Our feeling is that Federer only cares about himself. He never gives, never spends time. He is polite, but that's about it,” Jourdan said.

The insider spoke candidly and further explained that Roger Federer focused more on business and entrepreneurial aspects. For instance, he invested time founding the Laver Cup and investing in brands like On Running, which also made him one of the rare billionaire athletes in sports.

In contrast, Nadal has always been known for fully immersing himself in the tour life: enthusiastically interacting with fans and staff, emphasizing his principle of maintaining a good, respectful relationship with everyone in the locker room. “He (Federer) values money heavily, very heavily. There was almost no communication. He wasn't mean or rude, but we used to say he ultimately wasn't the ideal son-in-law. Nadal is authentic,” Jourdan added.

This Spanish player has a special bond with Roland Garros, having lifted the champion trophy here 14 times. It's natural that tournament staff developed a unique affection for the most successful player at the venue; even the Philippe Chatrier court permanently bears Nadal's footprints.

Meanwhile, in Federer's illustrious resume of 20 Grand Slam titles, he only won the French Open once in 2009. Later in his career, he even opted to skip this clay-court major as it wasn't his strength, instead preparing for the grass season.

Although Jourdan clearly stated Federer was never impolite, these remarks undoubtedly cast a shadow over the Swiss superstar's image. To this day, the eight-time Wimbledon champion has been presented as a perfect gentleman and a model of elegance.

Nevertheless, Federer and Nadal are both tennis legends whose rivalry defined an era of tennis. Together they claimed 205 titles, including 42 Grand Slam championships; they delivered some of the most classic matches in tennis history—whether the 2008 Wimbledon final or the 2017 Australian Open final.

Opinions on their personalities may differ, but their impact on tennis is invaluable. Moreover, their mutual respect proves that athletes with the fiercest rivalry can still be friends, a fact that remains unchanged. Beyond his tennis career, Federer also secured numerous endorsement deals and made business investments. He is now harvesting the fruits of these entrepreneurial ventures: he has been listed on Forbes' Billionaires List for 2026.

The 44-year-old legend became the second, and the seventh athlete overall, to reach billionaire status. Federer's wealth surpassed ten billion dollars in August 2025, but he only entered the Forbes list this month, with a net worth of 11 billion dollars. Although he retired from professional tennis in 2022, his commercial value continues to rise.

Prize money from tennis tournaments constitutes only a small portion of his net worth. His career total prize money is 131 million dollars. Beyond that, the vast majority of his wealth comes from high-value endorsement contracts and business investments. His long-term partnerships with international brands like Rolex, Uniqlo, Mercedes-Benz, Lindt, and Wilson are key to his wealth accumulation.

The Swiss maestro's net worth saw a significant surge due to the global popularity of the Swiss running shoe brand On, in which Federer holds a 3% stake. He invested in the company in 2019 when On was still focused solely on running. Federer helped expand its reach, even entering the tennis segment. Their collaboration launched tennis shoes and later sponsored players like Iga Świątek and Ben Shelton. The company's current valuation is nearing 200 billion dollars, making it one of the most valuable assets in Federer's portfolio.

Even after retirement, the 20-time Grand Slam champion remains one of the most influential figures globally. Apart from Gilles Jourdan's remarks, his humility is still highly recognized externally. His influence in tennis remains significant. Through his business ventures and personal impact, Federer has ensured his legacy and wealth continue to extend and grow beyond his playing career.Source: Tennis Home Author: Spark