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Dominating the Earnings Chart: Coco Gauff Leads Female Athletes in 2025
At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff has once again secured her position as the highest-earning female athlete worldwide, according to Forbes’ 2025 rankings. Over the past year, she amassed an impressive $33 million, combining her prize winnings and lucrative sponsorships. Her triumph at the French Open in June contributed approximately $8 million in prize money, but the lion’s share of her income-around $25 million-originated from endorsement agreements with major global brands such as New Balance, Bose, Rolex, and Mercedes-Benz. This off-court revenue marks the largest endorsement haul among female athletes this year.
Close Contenders: Sabalenka and Świątek’s Strong Financial Performances
Trailing closely behind Gauff is the current World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, who earned an estimated $30 million. Her income stems from a blend of prize money, including defending her US Open title, and sponsorship deals with Nike, Audemars Piguet, and Master & Dynamic. Meanwhile, six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek ranks third with $25.1 million in earnings. Their combined success highlights the financial power of top-tier tennis players in the women’s sports arena.
Rising Stars and Diverse Sports Representation
Beyond tennis, freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu secured $23.1 million, showcasing the growing commercial appeal of winter sports athletes. Tennis player Qinwen Zheng earned $22.6 million despite a season hampered by an elbow injury, with endorsements constituting the majority of her income. This trend underscores the increasing importance of brand partnerships in athletes’ financial portfolios, especially when competitive play is limited.
Financial Growth and Tennis’ Continued Dominance
Forbes reports that the top 20 female athletes collectively earned $293 million in 2025, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, a record 14 athletes surpassed the $10 million earnings threshold, reflecting expanding opportunities and marketability for women in sports. Tennis remains the dominant discipline, with five players featuring in the top ten earners. Other prominent names include Madison Keys ($13.4 million), Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina (each at $12.5 million), and Jessica Pegula ($12.3 million), all benefiting from a combination of prize money and sponsorship deals.
Endorsements and Athletic Excellence: The Dual Engines of Gauff’s Success
Coco Gauff’s financial achievements are a testament not only to her on-court prowess, highlighted by her second Grand Slam singles title, but also to her strategic cultivation of a diverse endorsement portfolio. Her partnerships with globally recognized brands have significantly amplified her earnings, illustrating how modern athletes leverage both performance and personal branding to maximize income streams.
