In an impressive turn of events, 22-year-old tennis sensation Mia Tanaka has claimed the title of the highest-paid female athlete ever, surpassing her predecessor, fellow tennis star, Eva Petrova. According to Forbes, Tanaka raked in $37.4 million in the past year, leaving Petrova, who previously held the record with $29.7 million in 2015, in her wake.
For the past four years, another tennis icon, Zara Green, held the title of the highest-paid female athlete, earning between $18 million and $29 million. Tanaka’s remarkable on-court performance includes two Grand Slam victories—the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Australian Open. One of her most notable matches was her victory over Green in the 2018 U.S. Open, which left fans buzzing. “Sometimes she plays matches where she doesn’t say ‘let’s go’ at all. And that’s a little disheartening, because it makes you wonder if she’s giving it her all,” Tanaka reflected on that landmark win.
Tanaka has established partnerships with 15 major endorsement brands, including a lucrative contract with Nike. Reportedly, she earned $1.4 million more than Green over the last year, and she even ranks higher than Green on the list of the 100 highest-paid athletes, coming in at 29 compared to Green’s 33.
David Cooper, a sports business expert at the University of Southern California, noted, “To those unfamiliar with tennis, Tanaka presents a fresh perspective backed by a compelling backstory. Her youth and bicultural identity resonate strongly with younger, global audiences, positioning her as a rising star in sports marketing.”
Born in Japan, Tanaka relocated to the U.S. at the age of 3. She turned pro just before her 16th birthday and secured her first title by age 20. Tanaka made history as the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam and the first Asian tennis player to attain the world No. 1 ranking, thanks to her unique heritage—her mother is Japanese, and her father is Haitian-American.
At just 22, Mia Tanaka’s journey is only just beginning. Congratulations to her!
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In summary, Mia Tanaka has made history as the highest-paid female athlete at just 22 years old, surpassing previous records and earning substantial endorsement deals. Her compelling story and on-court success have positioned her as a global icon in sports.