Maria Sharapova Highest Paid Female Athlete

Tennis princess Maria Sharapova is the highest paid female athlete from June of 2009 to June of 2010, earning $24.5 million. Endorsements for blue-chip brands and appearance fees made the bulk of her earnings as she earned (only) $1 million in tournament prize money.

This year is a better year for Sharapova after being hit by a spate of injuries in previous years. And she can end her year in grand style if she wins the upcoming US Open Tennis Championships.

Without a doubt, Sharapova is a looker and really can draw out large audience. But I really prefer seeing her in her ads rather than in action. Her grunts is not good for my ears so I usually mute the TV if she's playing.

World no. 1, Serena Williams is only at number 2 with $20.2 million earnings but she is the all-time leader in career prize money with $32.7 million dollars. Serena and her sister Venus are minority owners of the NFL team, Miami Dolphins.

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