Top Earning Beauties in the World of Sport

Economics in sports is larger than ever, with million of dollars been thrown at athletes in various sports, Sports entertainment has become one of the largest contributors in attracting mega ratings and massive television audiences.

So while Football (Soccer), NFL, Golf may attract some of the highest paid stars in the men's category, the females aren't doing to bad for themselves.

In this short slide-show we take a quick preview at the top female earners across the sporting world. 

No. 10 Lorena Ochoa (Golf)

Income:  $5 million

Nationality: Mexican

Age: 29 

Once ranked the number women's golfer in the World, Lorena retired in 2010 while at the top to many it came as a surprise, but she felt it was time she started spending time with her family and to explore other opportunities.

Although she did mention that she would leave the door open for a return.

Lorena still continues to play in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational which is a LPGA event held in Mexico.

No. 9 Paula Creamer (Golf)

Income:  $5.2 million

Nationality: American (USA)

Age: 24

Currently ranked at number 8 in the World's LPGA List. Paula has managed to return from injury and against all odds win the US Open.

At age 24 she stills has a long future ahead of her, and could be raking in more cash as the years go by.

No. 8 Jelena Jankovic (Tennis)

Income:  $5.3 million

Nationality: Serbia

Age: 26

Born in Belgrade, Jelena is the first women to earn the top ranking tennis player without winning a Gran Slam.

She is currently ranked 16th, but is still earning mega dope, especially after signing one of the biggest endorsement deals in Women's Tennis with ANTA Sports.

She is also the face of Mona, a Serbian fashion label.

No. 7 Ana Ivanovic (Tennis)

Income:  $7.2 million

Nationality: Serbian

Age: 23 

Another star from Belgrade, Serbia whose made it big time in the Sporting arena, having initially sported Nike apparel at the beginning of her career, Ana has now signed a lifetime contract with Adidas.

Having won the French Open in 2008, Ana jumped to the number spot and attracted major endorsement deals.

Still very young, Ana will continue to blast her way up the earning ladder in years to come.

*Fact: She is the youngest male/female athlete to sign such a lengthy endorsement deal (Adidas Lifetime Contract)

No. 6 Annika Sorenstam (Golf)

Income:  $8 million

Nationality: Swedish-American

Age: 40 

Now retired (Since 2008) Annika continues to be included in the top earners as she still retains deals with Callaway, Cutter & Buck, Lexus and Rolex.

No.5 Kim Yu-Na (Figure Skating)

Income:  $9.7 million

Nationality: South Korean

Age: 20

Having won the 2010 Gold Medal at the Olympics she is the youngest female athlete on this list.

Kim aslo has a list of notable endorsement deals, with Nike, Korean Air, Samsung & Hyundai.

Although very young and still growing both physically and mentally, she is already known for her generous charitable contributions having already given over $1.7 million in donations.

Also it's interesting that she makes the list raking in almost $10 million while not been amongst either the Tennis or Golf stars.

No. 4 Danica Patrick (Racing)

Income:  $12 million

Nationality: American

Age: 29

Whether its her mega personal deals with almost ten sponsors or her newly found acting abilities, Danica is bringing in the cash.

No. 3 Venus Williams (Tennis)

Income:  $15.4 million

Nationality: American

Age: 31

At number three in the list of top earners is the older William sister, former number one tennis athlete. 

Having a list of top sponsors, she is also a successful business women, CEO of V-Starr Interiors which has designed multiple top notch residences and businesses.

Apart from the all the money and fame, in my personal opinion she lacks a serious sense of fashion on the court. But then again she has won 43 single titles.

No. 2 Serena Williams (Tennis)

Income:  $20.2 million

Nationality: American

Age: 29

A total of 27 Grand Slam titles (Singles, Doubles & Mixed) which as you can believe makes her one of the top earners in World tennis.

She earned $6.5 million in prize money in 2009 after winning two Grand Slams.

Like her sister, she also has a number of ventures of the pitch, including entertainment deals and sponsorships.

In August 2009, she ans her sister (Venus) became part-owners of the Miami Dolphins. 

Her Nike deal which was signed in 2004 is worth $40 million.

No. 1 Maria Sharapova (Tennis)

Income:   $24.5 million

Nationality: Russian

Age: 24

Topping the list is the vivacious looking Russian, who jumped to fame in 2004 after beating Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final at the age of 17. 

Although Sharapova has struggled in recent years in trying to reach the top, she is currently ranked at number five in the world rankings. 

Maria's endorsements are in many respects greater than her tournament winnings.

In 2010, Maria signed an eight year deal with Nike for $70 million. In 2006 she topped just over $26 million in income but that number has since fallen.

Having made the final of this year's Wimbledon and looking stronger and hungrier than ever, Sharapova could continue to dominate both the tennis rankings and earnings list.