Naomi Osaka tops Forbes list of highest-earning female athletes

Naomi Osaka did not play for the majority of 2021 but she was still able to climb on top of the Forbes list of highest-earning female athletes.

Osaka raked in $57.3 million in prize money and endorsements over the last year, nearly all of which came from an endorsement portfolio that has added more than 10 brand partners over the last year and a half. The list was published after a year in which Osaka withdrew from the French Open to focus on her mental health.

Fellow tennis players Serena Williams (45.9 million) and older sister Venus ($11.3 million) were next on the list. American gymnast Simone Biles ($10.1 million) and Spanish tennis player Garbine Muguruza ($8.8 million) rounded out the top five.

The Japanese player made her return to tennis recently and she is set to compete at the 2022 Australian Open where she is the defending champion.