Serena Williams is (Finally) The World’s Highest Paid Female Athlete.


Image: Serena Williams holds her trophy after she won the final match of the WTA Tennis Open tournament against Medison Keys of the United States at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy on May 15, 2016. (Photo by Claudio Pasquazi/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Despite years of total tennis domination, Serena Williams has only recently earned the title of the world’s highest paid female athlete.

According to Forbes, Williams achieved this particular distinction after a banner 2015, which included bonuses from her historic three Grand Slams and income from new endorsements and promotional relationships. For over 11 years, the title of Highest Paid Female Athlete was held by Maria Sharapova, who is often cited as a longtime rival of Williams’ despite losing to Williams 18 times.

Following a drug testing scandal, Sharapova, dropped down in the list after losing several endorsements. The International Tennis Federation also handed Sharapova is two-year suspension, which she reportedly plans to appeal.

Serena Williams reportedly earned $28.9 million over the past 12 months.
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