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5 reasons why Serena plays second fiddle to Sharapova on highest-paid athletes list

August 13, 2015 10:20 IST

Tennis sensation Maria Sharapova yet again rules the Forbes’ list of highest-paid female athletes.

World No 1 Serena Williams’ estimated earnings are $24.6 million.

The Russian beauty is the top female athlete and tennis player on Facebook with 15 million fans. Official Maria Sharapova App was launched in March to provide fans a behind-the-scenes look at her life on and off the court.

Sensational Sharapova: 11 years of domination and counting!

So what makes the 28-year-old to cling on to her Forbes accolade for another year.

Maria Sharapova

Tennis sensation Maria Sharapova always grabs attention. Photograph: Instagram

1. Tennis is one of the few big-money sports where the earnings of women are somewhat comparable to men, though Sharapova’s income nonetheless was significantly less than the $67 million earned by Roger Federer, the top tennis player on the latest Forbes men’s list.

Maria Sharapova

Serena Williams of the United States celebrates at the net after winning the Ladies Singles Semi Final match against Maria Sharapova of Russia at the 2015 Wimbledon. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

2. The Forbes list also includes earnings from appearances, licensing and endorsements, personal business interests and, in some cases, salary. Williams is arguably the greatest female athlete, but sponsors have often avoided the 21-time Grand Slam singles champion.

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova with her candy collection 'Sugarpova'. Photograph: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Henri Bendel

3. In 2012, Sharapova launched her own candy line, Sugarpova. The brand is now available in more than 30 countries.

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova with the French Open trophy in 2014. Photographs: Stephane Mahe/Reuters

4. Sharapova bounced back from an injury riddled 2013 to win the 2014 French Open, triggering lucrative bonuses from sponsors like Nike and Head, Forbes said.

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova poses next to a Porsche model. Photograph: Thierry Chesnot/Getty Images for Porsche

5.  Her other major partners are Avon, Evian, Porsche and Tag Heuer.

Rediff Sports Desk