Elena Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka to Secure Record £4m Payout
Rybakina sealed her forty-fifth hard court win of 2025
Elena Rybakina claimed the largest payday in WTA history by beating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.
Rybakina delivered a impressive display to beat four-time Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Since both players came through the event without a loss, the reward on the table was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the highest prize awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.
The prize money exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian received for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.
"It's been an incredible tournament," commented the Kazakh player.
"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to win the title was just unbelievable."
"I want to say praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a impressive opening set performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two chances before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to seal the opening set.
With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.
However, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of set points in the next game to level the set at 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to claim the championship.
The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.
An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team shortly after the final.
"It was not the best performance from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka told the crowd.
"You really smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful title."
