For the second consecutive year, American tennis star Coco Gauff has secured the top spot on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid female athletes. The 21-year-old talent amassed an estimated $33 million over the past 12 months, a testament to both her prowess on the court and her significant off-court ventures. Her triumph at the French Open in June contributed approximately $8 million in prize money, while a remarkable $25 million stemmed from lucrative endorsement deals. Gauff's impressive portfolio of partnerships includes prominent brands such as New Balance, Bose, Rolex, and Mercedes Benz, highlighting her exceptional marketability, which stands as the highest off-court income among all female athletes featured in the 2025 ranking.

Following closely behind Gauff is World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who earned an estimated $30 million. Sabalenka's income is a blend of prize money, notably from her successful US Open title defense, and endorsement agreements with major companies like Nike, Audemars Piguet, and Master & Dynamic. Third on the list is six-time major champion Iga Świątek, with total earnings of $25.1 million. The top five also includes freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who ranked fourth with $23.1 million, and fellow tennis player Qinwen Zheng, who secured the fifth position with $22.6 million. Despite an elbow injury limiting her season, Zheng's earnings were primarily driven by her off-court endorsements, underscoring the growing importance of brand partnerships for elite athletes.

Forbes' 2025 ranking reveals a robust growth in the earnings of female athletes, with the top 20 collectively earning $293 million, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. A record-breaking 14 athletes on the list surpassed the $10 million earnings threshold. Tennis continues to be a dominant force, with half of the top 10 highest-paid female athletes originating from the WTA Tour. Other notable tennis players featured on the list include Madison Keys ($13.4 million), Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina (both tied at $12.5 million), and Jessica Pegula ($12.3 million). This trend underscores the global appeal and financial opportunities available within professional tennis for its leading stars.

Coco Gauff's continued ascendancy at the pinnacle of this financial ranking reflects her exceptional year, which included securing her second Grand Slam singles title. Her ability to combine elite athletic performance with a strong and diverse endorsement portfolio firmly establishes her as a leading figure in sports, both on and off the court.