Elena Rybakina Stuns Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Record £4 Million Prize
Rybakina sealed her 45th hard-court win of the year
Elena Rybakina won the greatest prize in women's tennis all time by beating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.
The 26-year-old delivered a stunning display to overcome four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.
Since each competitor advanced through the event without a loss, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the highest payout offering in WTA the sport's history.
The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian received for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.
"It's been an fantastic tournament," stated Rybakina.
"I honestly didn't expect any result so to win the title was just incredible."
"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winners during a dominant opening set performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two chances before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and held her serve to secure the opening set.
With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.
However, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the following game to level the set at 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to claim the championship.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will move up one place in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.
An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final.
"It was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," the Belarusian told the audience.
"You really overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning trophy."
