Maria is world's highest-paid female athlete for the 10th straight year:
The World's Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2014
Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have been fierce rivals on the court over the past decade since they first squared off in Miami in 2004. Williams won that first meeting before Sharapova prevailed in their next two matches, including the 2004 Wimbledon final. Williams has reeled off 15 straight wins since then and holds a commanding 16-2 edge overall, but that Wimbledon win as a 17-year-old launched Sharapova into stardom as tennis’ “It” girl.
Williams has won almost double the career prize money and holds a 62-31 edge in career titles, but she can’t touch Sharapova when it comes to sponsorships. Sharapova’s massive endorsement haul pushes her to the top of our list of the world’s highest-paid female athletes for the 10th straight year with earnings of $24.4 million between June 2013 and June 2014.
The World's Highest-Paid Female Athletes
The richest female athletes are largely tennis players, with a race car driver, figure skater and golfer sprinkled in the mix. These 10 women made the most money between June 2013 and June 2014 from prize money, salary, licensing, appearances and endorsements.