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PHOTOS: The world's top 10 earning female in sports

Last updated on: August 4, 2011 10:41 IST

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Maria Sharapova may not have won a Grand Slam title since 2008, but the Russian tennis player remains unchallenged as the world's highest paid woman in professional sports.

For the seventh straight year, Sharapova topped the annual list provided by Forbes magazine, despite failing to add to her three Grand Slam titles, although she did make the Wimbledon final in July.

- PHOTOS: The sexiest female tennis players

Sharapova's earnings, mostly off-court endorsements, were estimated at $25 million, twice as much as her nearest rival, Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki, the current women's world number one.

American racing driver Danica Patrick was third with $12 million followed by tennis players Venus Williams, Belgium's Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams.

- PHOTOS: The best naked run in sports

Seven of the top nine female earners were tennis players, including China's Li Na, who made $8 million last year but was expected to soar up the rankings and challenge Sharapova for the top spot after her breakthrough win at the French Open.

Click on NEXT to check out the top 10 women earners:

Image: Maria Sharapova

Earning: $25 million

Country: Russia

Sport: Tennis

- PHOTOS: The sexiest female tennis players

Image: Caroline Wozniacki

Earning: $12.5 million

Country: Denmark

Sport: Tennis

- PHOTOS: The sexiest female tennis players

Image: Danica Patrick

Earning: $12 million

Country: USA

Sports: Motor racing

- PHOTOS: The sexiest female tennis players

Image: Venus Williams

Earning: $11.5 million

Country: USA

Sport: Tennis

- PHOTOS: The best naked run in sports

Image: Kim Clijsters

Earning: $11 million

Country: Belgium

Sport: Tennis

- PHOTOS: The best naked run in sports

Image: Serena Williams

Earning: $10.5 million

Country: USA

Sport: Tennis

- PHOTOS: The best naked run in sports

Image: Kim Yuna

Earning: $10 million

Country: South Korea

Sport: Figure skating

- PHOTOS: The best naked run in sports

Image: Li Na

Earning: $8 million

Country: China

Sport: Tennis

- PHOTOS: The best naked run in sports

Image: Ana Ivanovic

Earning: $6 million

Country: Serbia

Sport: Tennis

- PHOTOS: The best naked run in sports

Image: Paula Creamer

Earning: $5.5 million

Country: USA

Sport: Golf

- PHOTOS: The best naked run in sports

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