Forbes: 9 out of the top 10 highest paid female athletes are tennis players

The latest Forbes list for 2023's highest-paid female athletes has served up a fascinating stat: nine out of the top ten spots were taken by female tennis stars. This revelation is proof-positive about the marketability and global influence of women's tennis.

At the forefront is Iga Swiatek, the year-end No. 1 in the WTA rankings with estimated earnings of $23.9 million for the year. Right behind her, Coco Gauff clinches the No. 3 position, pocketing $21.7 million. After that, the list reads like a who's who of tennis with Britain's Emma Raducanu and Japan's Naomi Osaka, maintaining their financial stronghold despite very little court time in 2023.

Above: A look at the world's highest paid female athletes. YouTube: Forbes.

Other stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Venus Williams also made the list. The presence of Elena Rybakina, Leylah Fernandez, and others in the top 10 further cements tennis's status as a leading sport for female athletes looking to make their mark — both in terms of competition and earnings.

What's particularly striking about this Forbes list is the near-clean sweep by tennis players. Each tennis player on the list brings a unique blend of athletic prowess and personal appeal, translating into lucrative endorsements, appearances, and various off-court ventures. The only non-tennis athlete to break into this elite circle is Chinese-American skier Eileen Gu. 

In 2023, as these athletes continue to thrill us with their on-court performances, their off-court earnings remain equally noteworthy. As global fans cheer their favorite tennis stars, they're also witnessing the rise of tennis as a major player in the world of sports and entertainment, a domain where women are not just participating but reshaping the landscape.

Forbes Top 10 Highest-Paid Female Athletes (2023)

1. Iga Swiatek - $23.9 million

2. Eileen Gu - $22.1 million

3. Coco Gauff - $21.7 million

4. Emma Raducanu - $15.2 million

5. Naomi Osaka - $15 million

6. Aryna Sabalenka - $14.7 million

7. Jessica Pegula - $12.5 million

8. Venus Williams - $12.2 million

9. Elena Rybakina - $9.5 million

10. Leylah Fernandez - $8.8 million

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Source: Forbes; Tennis.com. Top Photo:  Emma Raducanu at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart via Porsche Newsroom.