Rybakina Stuns Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Record £4 Million Payout
Rybakina sealed her forty-fifth hard-court win of 2025
Elena Rybakina won the biggest reward in women's tennis all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.
The 26-year-old produced a impressive display to overcome four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.
Because both players came through the competition without a loss, the reward on the table was a historic almost £4 million – the biggest prize awarded in WTA history.
The reward surpasses the £3.74 million Sabalenka won for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.
"This has been an amazing week," said the Kazakh player.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to go so far was just unbelievable."
"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible achievement."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winning shots during a dominant first-set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of chances before taking every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to secure the first set.
As the second set progressed, the world number one defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favor.
But, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider impacted her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh taking every point to take home the championship.
The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the rankings to number five in the world.
A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final.
"That was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian told the crowd.
"You really overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning trophy."
