In a remarkable year for women’s sports, tennis once again reigns supreme when it comes to earnings. Leading the charge is none other than 20-year-old American sensation Coco Gauff, who has officially claimed the title of the highest-paid female athlete in the world in 2024, raking in an impressive $34.4 million.
Gauff’s meteoric rise from a teenage phenom to one of the sport’s brightest stars has not only translated to on-court success but also significant off-court earnings. A blend of Grand Slam performances, growing commercial appeal, and partnerships with major global brands has helped her soar to the top of the financial rankings. Her marketability, charisma, and relentless determination have made her a favorite among both tennis fans and sponsors alike.
But what’s truly striking about this year’s list is the sheer dominance of tennis players in the top 10, with seven of the world’s highest-paid female athletes coming from the sport. It’s a testament to tennis’s unique position in women’s sports—offering a global platform, equal prize money at major tournaments, and robust endorsement opportunities.
Following closely behind Gauff is Iga Świątek, the Polish powerhouse and four-time Grand Slam champion, who earned $23.8 million in 2024. Świątek continues to be a consistent performer on the court, and her quiet strength, sportsmanship, and advocacy for mental health have made her a favorite among international brands.
At number four is a newer name making waves: Qinwen Zheng of China, who brought in a staggering $20.6 million. Zheng’s breakout performances have not gone unnoticed in the corporate world, particularly in Asia, where her rising star power has drawn endorsements from high-profile sponsors eager to invest in the next big name in tennis.
Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka takes the fifth spot with $18.7 million in earnings. Known for her explosive game and commanding presence on the court, Sabalenka has built a strong brand around her competitive persona, which resonates with fans and partners alike.
Next on the list are two athletes tied in earnings—Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu, each bringing in $12.9 million. Though Osaka has taken time away from the court in recent years, including for maternity leave, her influence remains unparalleled. With her return to competition, brands continue to flock to her, drawn by her cultural relevance and activism. Raducanu, meanwhile, remains a major commercial success following her fairytale US Open win in 2021, continuing to secure lucrative partnerships despite a challenging run with injuries.
Rounding out the tennis stars in the top 10 is none other than Venus Williams, who earned $12.1 million in 2024. A veteran of the sport and a trailblazer for women in tennis, Venus continues to command significant attention and business ventures, proving that legacy and influence often transcend rankings and titles.
This extraordinary list underscores how tennis remains a powerhouse for female athletes in terms of earning potential. With its global appeal, gender parity at major events, and history of empowering female players, the sport continues to lead the way in creating financial opportunities for women.
It’s also a promising indicator of how women’s sports as a whole are evolving. While tennis dominates for now, other sports are beginning to catch up. Rising stars in basketball, soccer, and golf are starting to break through with major endorsement deals and increased media coverage.
But for 2024, the crown belongs to Coco Gauff. Her blend of youth, talent, authenticity, and marketability has set a new benchmark for success. As she continues to grow both as an athlete and as a brand, the sky is truly the limit.
With seven tennis players in the top 10, it’s clear: the business of women’s tennis is booming—and Coco Gauff is leading the charge into a new era of superstar athletes.