Naomi Osaka Becomes the Highest-Paid Female Athlete Ever

The Japanese tennis star, Naomi Osaka, has become the highest-paid female athlete in history according to Forbes. In the past year, she made $37.4 million USD and surpassed Serena Williams at the top of the list.�

The 22-year-old is currently backed up by 15 endorsement partners. Her apparel sponsor � Nike � is certainly at the top of the list. Just last year she earned $10 million from Nike and the agreement between the two runs until 2025. Some of her additional sponsors are Nissan motors, Shiseido, and All Nippon Airways.�

�I tasked my team with finding brands that align with my personality and my interests,� Osaka told Forbes last year.

Before Osaka, Serena Williams was the highest-paid female athlete. Williams held the crown for the past four years, whilst Maria Sharapova had it from 2011-2015.

Osaka was holding dual nationality from both the United States and Japan. She gave up her U.S. citizenship so she can represent Japan at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. However, they have been delayed for 2021.�

Beginning last year Osaka was fiercely holding the first position on WTA tour. Later she lost it to Australian Ashleigh Barty and her position has been dropping ever since. Currently, she ranks No. 10 � just behind Serena Williams.  

The Japanese tennis star has already won two Grand Slams � US Open in 2018 and the Australian Open in 2019. There is no doubt that the bright future awaits the young athlete and next year might be her best yet � with the Olympics happening in her home country.�