Federer overtakes Sampras in winnings

Roger Federer, the 13-time Grand Slam tennis champion, has become the all-time leader in prize money after advancing to the quarterfinals of the Madrid Masters.

The world number two set the new career earnings record of $43.3 million (SFr49.1 million) following his 6-4, 6-1 win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, however he played down the importance of the achievement.

“It’s not very special,” Federer said on Thursday. “It’s very nice to have records. Sure, money is important in life but it’s not everything.” Pete Sampras, who won a record 14 Grand Slams, held the previous total of $43.2.

Federer will now face Juan Martin del Potro, who eliminated defending champion and fellow Argentine David Nalbandian 6-4, 6-2. “He’s proved a lot in the last year… so I’m excited to play against him,” Federer said about his meeting with the ninth-ranked Argentine.

Rafael Nadal – who needs to return to the final to retain the year-end top spot – beat Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2 setting up an all-Spanish matchup with Feliciano Lopez, who beat Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 6-4.