By Chris Oddo | Monday June 6, 2016

 

Serena Williams surpassed Maria Sharapova in earnings for the first time since 2004, according to Forbes.

Maddie Meyer/Getty

For the first time since 2004, Serena Williams has ousted Maria Sharapova as the world’s highest-paid female athlete, according to Forbes. Williams, who lost in the final at Roland Garros on Saturday, earned $28.9 million ($20 million in endorsements), while Sharapova earned $21.9 million ($20 million in endorsements) over the previous 12 months.

To read the full article on Forbes, click here

Lucrative bonuses from Williams’ three 2015 major titles and a dozen corporate partners helped Williams oust Sharapova from the top spot. Also playing a massive role was Sharapova’s shock drug suspension which has led to the suspension and/or termination of some of her lucrative endorsement deals.

Third on Forbes’ list is MMA fighter Ronda Rousey, who earned $14 million ($4 million from endorsements).

Danica Patrick ($13.9 million) comes in fourth.

Eight of the top ten earners were tennis players. Agnieszka Radwanska ($10.2 million) was fifth, while Caroline Wozniacki ($8 million) was sixth.

Here’s a list of the Top 10:

1. Serena Williams, $29.8 million, $20 million endorsements
2. Maria Sharapova, $21.9 million, $20 million endorsements
3. Ronda Rousey, $14 million, $4 million endorsements
4. Danica Patrick, $13.9 million, $6 million endorsements
5. Agnieszka Radwanska, $10.2 million, $5 million endorsements
6. Caroline Wozniacki, $ 8 million, $ 7 million endorsements
7. Garbiñe Muguruza, $7.6 million, $3 million endorsements
8. Ana Ivanovic, $ 7.4 million, $5 million endorsements
9. Victoria Azarenka, $6.6 million, $3 million endorsements.
10. Eugenie Bouchard, $6.2 million, $5.5 million endorsements.