Sharapova tops highest earners list yet again

She may be the fifth best ranked player in women's tennis and hasn't won a Grand Slam since 2008 but Maria Sharapova remains the highest paid woman in professional sport.

The Russian tennis star has topped Forbes magazine's annual list for the seventh straight year, earning almost twice as much as second placed Caroline Wozniacki.

Sharapova's earnings were estimated at $US25 million, most of it coming from endorsement deals having only won one tournament in the last 12 month.

In 2010 Sharapova reportedly signed an eight-year contract with Nike worth $US70 million.

Sharapova has had a return to form in the past year after suffering a shoulder injury, reaching the final at Wimbledon before losing to Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic.

American racing driver Danica Patrick was third with $US12 million followed by three more tennis players; Venus Williams, Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams.

Tennis players dominated the list with seven making up the top 10 with a figure skating and a golfer also featuring.

Top 10 women earners
1.Maria Sharapova $US25 million (Russia, tennis)
2.Caroline Wozniacki $US12.5 million (Denmark, tennis
3.Danica Patrick $US12 million (US, motor racing)
4.Venus Williams $US11.5 million (US, tennis)
5.Kim Clijsters $US11 million (Belgium, tennis)
6.Serena Williams $US10.5 million (US, tennis)
7.Kim Yuna $US10 million (figure skating, South Korea)
8.Li Na $US8 million (China, tennis)
9.Ana Ivanovic $US6 million (Serbia, tennis)
10.Paula Creamer $US5.5 million (US, golf)

- HERALD ONLINE