Serena pips Sharapova world's top paid sportswoman

Williams earned USD 28.9 million over the past 12 months, the financial magazine reported in an article posted on its website. Russian tennis star Sharapova had held the title for the past 11 years.

Williams, 34, has dominated her sport for more than a decade. She won her second Grand Slam in 2002 before going on to win 19 more since then.

After falling at Roland Garros on Saturday, she vowed to keep trying to equal Steffi Graf's Open-era record of 22 Grand Slam titles.

Williams's career prize money of USD 77.6 million amounts to more than twice as much as any other sportswoman's.

However, Sharapova dominated in endorsement profits before companies including Nike, American Express, Porsche and TAG Heuer distanced themselves after she tested positive for the recently banned drug meldonium earlier this year.

Sharapova earned USD 21.9 million over the past 12 months, down almost USD 8 million from the previous year, Forbes said. American mixed martial arts star Ronda Rousey was third on the list with USD 14 million, just ahead of NASCAR stock car driver Danica Patrick, who earned USD 13.9 million.