Japanese tennis sensation Naomi Osaka is the highest-paid female athlete globally in 2022 according to a report published by Forbes on Thursday, December 22.
According to the report, the 25-year-old earned $51.1 million (approximately Ksh 6,292,965,000) in the past 12 months.
Osaka, who has now topped the list for a third successful year, enjoys one of the best endorsement deals in the universe.
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"Osaka was hampered by injuries for much of the year and lost a significant sponsorship when FTX declared bankruptcy in November, only eight months after their deal was announced.
"But her endorsement portfolio is still among the best in sports—only six members of Forbes’ 2022 athletes list made more than her $50 million off the field," a statement from Forbes read.
Apart from playing professional tennis, Osaka is also an entrepreneur.
Some of her businesses include a production firm, a skin-care line, and a talent agency. She also recently invested her money in a pickleball team.
Osaka was followed by another tennis player Serena Williams. Serena, who hinted about retiring two months ago, earned $41.3 million (approximately 5,086,095,000) this year.
Eileen Gu, a Chinese Freestyle Skier, was ranked third having reportedly pocketed $20.1 million (approximately Ksh 2,475,315,000).
Gu, who doubles up as a model, is sponsored by several firms including Louis Vuitton, Red Bull, Therabody, and Mengniu Dairy.
20-year-old fast-rising British tennis player Emma Raducanu and his polish rival Iga Świątek completed the top five list.
Raducanu and Świątek received $18.7 million (approximately Ksh 2,302,905,000), and $14.9 million (approximately Ksh 1,834,935,000) respectively.
Top Five Highest Paid Players in the world in 2022.
Naomi Osaka - Ksh 6,292,965,000
Serena Williams - Ksh 5,086,095,000
Eileen Gu - Ksh 2,475,315,000
Emma Raducanu - Ksh 2,302,905,000
Iga Świątek - Ksh 1,834,935,000