Osaka named richest female athlete in the world



There's a new queen in town. On Friday*,* Forbes announced that Naomi Osaka has taken the throne of highest-paid female athlete from her idol Serena Williams.

With $37.4 million in prize money and endorsements over the past year, Osaka is the highest-paid female athlete ever. The previous record was Maria Sharapova in 2015 with $29.7 million.

Osaka's many fans are clued into her immense wealth, as the world No. 10 posted from a private jet earlier this month.

Serena had held the top spot for the four years prior, earning $29.2 million for 2019. Tennis has long dominated female sports earnings with Sharapova reigning from 2005-2015.

Osaka has been a marketing gold mine in her native Japan and around the world. The two-time Grand Slam champion has inked deals with Nissan Motors, Yonex, Nike, Procter & Gamble, All Nippon Airways and Nissin.

The 22-year-old has been managing the new quarantine normal with aplomb. She's started hosting a short Instagram Live interview series, first interviewing Frances Tiafoe and then Gael Monfils.

She also just appeared on the cover of GQ Japan as a drawing crafted by her big sister:

Osaka was going to be the biggest attraction at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, which are now postponed until 2021.