Serena unmatched in money stakes

New York – Serena Williams was the highest paid female athlete for a third consecutive year in 2018, according to an annual list published by Forbes this week that was dominated by tennis players.

Williams, who returned to competition in March after giving birth last September, earned $62 000 in winnings over the past year but received $18.1 million from an endorsement portfolio unmatched among women in sports. She earned twice as much off the court as any other female athlete, according to Forbes.

Dane Caroline Wozniacki, who captured her maiden grand slam title at this year’s Australian Open, was second on the list with combined earnings of $13m while American Sloane Stephens ($11.2m) was third. Spaniard Garbine Muguruza ($11m) and Russian Maria Sharapova ($10.5m) rounded out the top five. – Reuters