The Forbes Highest Paid Female Athletes 2014 list has been released, with tennis superstar Maria Sharapova retaining the top spot. According to a report from Forbes, this year's top 10 consist mostly of tennis players, such as Li Na and Serena Williams.
It is Maria Sharapova's 10th straight year to top the list, with earnings of $24.4 million between June 2013 and June 2014.
While ranking first among female athletes, Maria Sharapova places No. 34 overall among all athletes, male and female. Floyd Mayweather tops the said Forbes list with $105 million over the same period.
Aside from prize money, Maria Sharapova's big endorsement deals also helped her get the top spot for the Forbes Highest Paid Female Athletes 2014 list.
The blond tennis player's endorsements include Cole Haan, Nike, Porsche, Samsung Electronics, Tag Heuer, Evian and Head.
Maria Sharapova's latest endorsement is Avon Products, which signed the tennis star just last June. Under the $1 million per year deal, she will be the face of the brand's new fragrance for men and women: Avon Luck.
As an entrepreneur, Maria Sharapova also launched a line of gummy candies, Sugarpova, in 2012. Her most recent entrepreneurial venture was signing with skincare company Supergoop last Spring, where the tennis star will push sunscreen and anti-aging products.
Ranking second in the Forbes Highest Paid Female Athletes 2014 list is Li Na, who earned $23.6 million, including a $5.6 million prize money, between June 2013 and June 2014. The Chinese athlete became a breakthrough star in 2011 when she bagged the French Open title to became the first Asian-born tennis player ever to win a Grand Slam singles event.
Li Na's endorsement biggest deals include Nike, Mercedes, Samsung, Rolex and several brands in China.
Serena Williams places third on the annual list with earnings of $22 million. Dominating the tennis world since 1995, the veteran's endorsements include Nike, Wilson, Gatorade and OPI. The tennis superstar also owns small stakes in Sleep Sheets and the Miami Dolphins, said Forbes.
The Forbes Highest Paid Female Athletes 2014 list also inlcudes a race car driver, figure skater and golfer. Their earnings are mostly from prize money, salary, licensing, appearances and endorsements, said Forbes.
