Venus Williams this week became the world's highest paid female athlete after completing a £27 million deal with the sportswear company Reebok. The 20-yearold reigning Wimbledon champion now has endorsement deals worth £35 million.

Along with her sister Serena, the Williams have joint contracts with Nortel and American Express. They are also discussing a deal with the cosmetics firm Avon which could add another £15 million to their already swollen bank accounts. The deals indicate women are finally catching up with men on the endorsement circuit and in tennis, particularly, it is now the female players who bring in the big ratings.