Tennis players have typically dominated the highest-paid female athletes list; this year was no exception. Six players made the top 10 list, with Coco Gauff leading the way, and becoming the highest-paid female athlete in 2024. Although there were seven players inside the top 10 in 2023, four of the top five athletes are from tennis this year and nine inside the top 15.
The earnings are calculated by adding the players’ winnings and endorsements for the 12 months ending December 31, 2024. Gauff made a whopping 30.4 million dollars. $9.4 million from winnings and $21 Million from endorsements. The other tennis players in the top 10 are Iga Swiatek ($21.4 million total), Qinwen Zheng ($20.6 million), Aryna Sabalenka ($17.7 million), Naomi Osaka ($15.9 million) and Emma Raducanu ($14.7 million). Sabalenka was the highest earner through winnings ($9.7 million).
There is no surprise to see Gauff topping the list as she had a great run after the US Open, winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where the prize money was $4.5 million, and a Masters 1000 title in Beijing. Being the best young American player, in both the men’s and women’s game, makes her marketable and helps her get a lot of endorsement money. Gauff is the second-highest earner through endorsements. Osaka and Raducanu made less than a million dollars in winnings but their huge deals ensured them spots in the top 10.
For endorsements, a lot also depends on which country you were born in. Qinwen Zheng, the Olympic champion, is thriving. Her status as a Chinese player and one of the best players in the world has led to numerous endorsements in a short time. Zheng recently became the brand ambassador of the German automotive manufacturer, Audi. That deal is not included in this list but she’ll likely be the highest earner next year if she can continue her rise. It’s also worth mentioning Jasmine Paolini, who had the best year of her career and is 11th on the list.
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
