Half Haitian, Half Japanese, tennis star Naomi Osaka, represents Japan even though she lives in the U.S. At the tender age of 22, Osaka is thought to be one of the most marketable female athletes in the world. This is thanks to both her congenial personality and her exceptional talent on the courts.
Osaka won the US Open in 2018, the Australian Open in 2019, and the US Open in 2020. The tennis pro currently ranks third and her net worth is estimated to be $25 million. In 2020, she is the highest-paid female athlete.
Brittney Griner – $4 Million
Brittney Griner has become one of the best and most recognized players in the WNBA. Sadly, however, her net worth reveals the monumental pay gap between male and female athletes. Though Griner makes over $100,000 a year under her contract with the WNBA, she has garnished her career by entering into short contracts to play in China.
While playing there in 2014, she reportedly made $600,000 in three months. As of 2020, her net worth is estimated to be $4 million, including endorsements.
Bianca Andreescu – $4 Million
Canadian Bianca Andreescu officially became a tennis pro in 2017 but has already made nearly $7 million from her winnings. Even at just 20 years old, Andreescu made sure that tennis fans will remember her name when she defeated Serena Williams in the 2019 US Open singles tournament.
She has become a fan favorite and even has supporters in both Canada and Romania (the homeland of her parents). To date, Andreescu has several sponsorships and endorsements, but with her career catching fire, she is bound to receive many more.
Cris “Cyborg” Justino – $5 Million
Brazilian Cris “Cyborg” Justino has created a legacy for herself in the MMA world. During Justino’s career (which has preceded famous names like Rhonda Rousey) she has retained her championship belts for much longer.
In fact, Justino proves she has what it takes to rise to the top as she’s the only fighter to ever be the champion of the UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, and Invicta. She was only toppled from her career-high (undefeated from 2005 to 2018) when Amanda Nunes won the championship belt.
Ana Ivanovic – $16 Million
Ana Ivanovic is an athlete with a unique backstory. She grew up in what was, at the time, war-torn Yugoslavia and took up an interest in tennis after watching fellow Yugoslavian Monica Seles on the court. Despite the challenges facing her country during this time, she remained dedicated to her tennis training.
Her focus on her training paid off as Ivanovic eventually made it to a major tournament, winning the French Open in 2008 and being ranked number one in the same year. She accumulated over $15 million in prize money from 2003 up until her retirement in 2016. Ivanovic is now worth around $16 million.