Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Secure Historic £4 Million Reward
Elena Rybakina earned her 45th hard court win of the year
Elena Rybakina claimed the largest prize in women's tennis history by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.
The 26-year-old produced a impressive display to defeat four-time major winner Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.
Since both players advanced through the event undefeated, the prize money on the table was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the largest prize offering in WTA history.
This amount surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for claiming the US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.
"It's been an amazing tournament," said Rybakina.
"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to reach the final was just incredible."
"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an outstanding achievement."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant first-set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of chances before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to seal the opening set.
With the second set on serve, the world number one saved another two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favor.
But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of set points in the next game to level the second set at five-all.
Her inability to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to win the championship.
This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one place 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 match.
"It was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior competitor," the Belarusian addressed the audience.
"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning trophy."