Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Win Record £4 Million Payout
Rybakina earned her 45th hard-court triumph of 2025
Elena Rybakina claimed the largest prize in women's tennis all time by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.
Rybakina produced a stunning performance to overcome four-times major champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Since each competitor came through the competition undefeated, the prize money on offer was a historic £3.98m – the biggest prize offering in women's tennis the sport's history.
The reward surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for claiming September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.
"It's been an incredible tournament," said Rybakina.
"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable."
"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a dominant first-set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two chances before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to seal the first set.
As the second set progressed, the world number one defended two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.
However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to level the set at five-all.
Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina taking every point to win the championship.
The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will move up one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.
A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her coaching team shortly after the final.
"That was not the best display from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka told the crowd.
"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful title."