Federer's tribute to legends

Roger Federer used the news that he had this week become the leading prize money winner in men's tennis history as a chance to pay tribute to the stars of yesteryear.

Federer's ongoing success at this week's Madrid Masters, where he will play Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarter-finals on Friday, has seen the Swiss ace pass Pete Sampras' record of just under £25million.

The 27-year-old, who has won 56 titles including 13 Grand Slams in his career, played down the achievement though and preferred instead to praise the players who helped make the sport what it is today.

When asked how he felt about the record, the world number two said: "Not very special, (although) obviously it's nice to have records.

"Sure money is important in life, but I didn't start playing tennis because of money, that was never my drive. But I have been very successful, I've had an incredible run in Slams lately and that racks up the money, as does the Masters Cup, there is a lot of money involved there."

He added: "I guess this is also the moment when you can thank the all-time greats from back in the day when it (tennis) was still amateur to have brought this game to where it is today, with so much money involved in the game with sponsors and everything.

"It's a moment to say thanks to them because they have created the platform for us players today."