MADRID — Roger Federer wasn’t particularly excited about becoming the ATP tour’s all-time leader in prize money with USD 43,317,870 (CHF 49,196,587).

"It’s not very special," Federer said on Thursday after advancing to the Madrid Masters quarter-finals. "It’s very nice to have records. Sure, money is important in life but it’s not everything."

Federer, the 13-time Grand Slam champion, set the new earnings total following his 6-4, 6-1 win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Pete Sampras, who won a record 14 Grand Slams, held the previous total of USD 43,280,489.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal is the only other active player in the top-10 career earnings list, but has won less than half of Federer’s total. Nadal could displace the 27-year-old Swiss as the season’s leading money winner after five straight seasons on top by Federer.

Sampras and Ivan Lendl both topped the list six times, but never for five straight.

Federer, who turned pro 10 years ago, preferred to pay homage with his feat.

"This is also the moment when you can thank the amateur greats for helping to bring the game to where it is today," the five-time Wimbledon champion said. "They helped create the platform where we are today."

[AP / Expatica]