Elena Rybakina Upsets Sabalenka to Claim Record £4 Million Payout
Elena Rybakina earned her forty-fifth hard court win of 2025
Rybakina claimed the biggest prize in WTA all time by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.
Rybakina produced a stunning display to defeat four-times major champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Because each competitor came through the event without a loss, the purse on offer was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the biggest prize awarded in WTA history.
The reward tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka won for claiming September's US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.
"It's been an amazing week," stated the Kazakh player.
"I honestly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just unbelievable."
"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an tremendous achievement."
The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winners during a impressive first-set performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and served out to win the first set.
As the second set progressed, the world number one saved another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.
However, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning every point to win the championship.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means Rybakina will move up one place in the rankings to number five in the world.
An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team soon after the final.
"That was not the best performance from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the superior competitor," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.
"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning title."