Maria Sharapova is once again number one on the Forbes list of World's Highest-Paid Female Athletes surpassing Serena Williams who is at no. 2 and other notable athletes including Danica Patrick and Ronda Rousey. Other tennis players that made it to the list include former world no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, who is on the third spot with $14.6 million in earnings that cover new deals with Lavazza Coffee and Godiva Chocolates, and Ana Ivanovic who earned $8.3 million thanks to her stellar performance in 2014 that scored her a good payout from Adidas.

Like Us on Facebook

This marks Sharapova's 11th straight year on top of the list and for 2015, the Russian beauty earned a total of $29.7 million in prizemoney, endorsements, appearances, business interests, and licensing.

According to Forbes, the 28-year-old bagged "valuable bonuses" from her major sponsors Nike and Head after winning last year's French Open. She scored good deals with Avon Products, Porsche, Evian and Tag Heuer as well. Moreover, her candy line, Sugarpova which was launched in 2013, sold more than 3 million bags over the past year and is now available in 30 countries.

Williams, on the other hand, raked in $24.6 million including $11.6 million for prizemoney and $13 million for endorsements. Despite being regarded as the greatest female athlete and holding the top spot in the women's rankings, critics argue that the American's physique and skin color play a huge role in the disparity between her winnings and that of Sharapova's. But with the US Open just around the corner, Williams' deals may shoot up sponsorship pay as the 33-year-old aims to complete a calendar grand slam year.

Currently, the world no. 1 is in Toronto competing at the Rogers Cup where she nearly faltered in the second round after losing the first set to Flavia Pennetta. She rallied to beat the Italian 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 in the end, giving us a preview of what may transpire in the upcoming weeks.

"It was a good opportunity for me because I haven't played a match on hard courts since April-ish, early, early April, after Miami," said Williams of her preparation. "It was a long time ago. So I think it was really good for me to have that match play."

Sharapova, meanwhile, is nowhere to be seen in Toronto. She pulled out of the tournament citing a right leg strain, but she is expected to play in Cincinnati on August 17.

Tagsmaria sharapova news, maria sharapova rumors, maria sharapova highest paid athlete, serena williams news, serena williams, forbes highest paid athlete, forbes list highest paid athlete, maria sharapova forbes, maria sharapova sponsors, maria sharapova us open