The new Serena Williams? How Japan’s Naomi Osaka became the world’s highest-earning female athlete
At age 22, Osaka was the world’s highest-earning female athlete last year, banking US$37.4 million – more than any other sportswoman has ever earned in a single year
Naomi Osaka was officially the highest-paid female athlete in the world last year. According to Forbes, the 22-year-old tennis star raked in US$37.4 million throughout 2019 alone.
It’s a feat that involves several records broken: Serena Williams was the world’s highest-paid female athlete for four years running and Maria Sharapova previously held the title for the most money earned by a female athlete in a single year.
Following her launch into the pro tennis spotlight, Osaka also has a string of lucrative endorsement deals under her belt, all of which contribute to her growing fortune.
A representative for Osaka declined to comment on the financial details of Osaka’s various endorsements.
Here’s how Osaka became the highest-paid female athlete.
Naomi Osaka earned US$37.4 million in the past year – more than any other female athlete has ever made in a single year – and she’s only 22
Osaka’s earnings broke the record for the most money earned by a female athlete in a single year. That record, per Forbes, was previously held by Maria Sharapova, who earned US$29.7 million in 2015.
Her earnings also ended Serena Williams’ winning streak as the world’s highest-paid female athlete, a title William held for the past four years, with Osaka earning US$1.4 million more than Williams over the last 12 months, according to Forbes. Osaka ranks in the 29th spot and Williams ranks 33rd among the 100 highest-paid athletes in the world.