Forbes: Sharapova is highest-paid female athlete for 11th straight year
Tennis player Maria Sharapova tops the Forbeslist of the world’s highest-paid female athletes, earning almost $30 million over a 12-month period.
The list is compiled from prize money, winnings, appearances, licensing and endorsement earnings between June 2014 and June 2015. Seven of the top 10 athletes on the list are tennis players, and the $124 million made by the 10 athletes is down 12% from the previous year.
By comparison, the top 10 highest-earning male athletes made $950 million combined over the past 12 months.
Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam winner, tops the list for the 11th straight year. She earned $6.7 million on the court and another $23 million from endorsers such as Nike, Avon, Evian, Porsche and Tag Heuer.
• Sania Mirza nominated for India's highest sports honor
The world's No. 1 player, Serena Williams, is next on the list, earning $24.6 million. Williams, who is 40–1 this year with titles at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon, will go for the calendar Grand Slam and her 22nd overall slam title as she defends her U.S. Open title later this month.
Caroline Wozniacki, another tennis player, ranks third on list. Wozniacki makes $14.6 million, including $11 million off the court.
NASCAR driver Danica Patrick is fourth with earnings of $13.9 million, followed by Ana Ivanovic ($8.3 million). Petra Kvitova ($5.9 million), the only woman to beat Williams this year, is No. 6.
Simona Halep ($6.8 million), UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey ($6.5 million), reigning LPGA Player of the Year Stacy Lewis ($2.4 million) and Agnieszka Radwanska ($6 million) round out the top 10.
- Scooby Axson
