Naomi Osaka is now the highest-paid female athlete in history, reports Forbes. Osaka, 22, earned $37.4 million in the past 12 months from prize money and endorsements, which is $1.4 million more than Serena Williams made.
With that number, Osaka has set an all-time record for what a female athlete has earned in a single year. Maria Sharapova previously held the record when she earned $29.7 million in 2015.
Forbes also reports that this is the first time since 2016 that two women including Naomi Osaka have made the rank of the 100 highest-paid athletes. In September 2o18, Osaka beat Williams in an emotional U.S. Open women’s final: Williams received three code violations. Williams infamously fought chair umpire Carlos Ramos on the calls, leading to a tearful victory for Osaka.
“It feels really emotional,” she said then. “I feel happy and sad at the same time and I think this is the most I’ve ever cried.” Williams hugged Osaka and later sent her the following text:
“Hey, Naomi! It’s Serena Williams. As I said on the court, I am so proud of you and I am truly sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing in sticking up for myself. But I had no idea the media would pit us against each other. I would love the chance to live that moment over again. I am, was, and will always be happy for you and supportive of you. I would never, ever want the light to shine away from another female, specifically another black female athlete. I can’t wait for your future, and believe me I will always be watching as a big fan! I wish you only success today and in the future. Once again, I am so proud of you. All my love and your fan, Serena.”
