Elena Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Secure Record £4m Reward
Rybakina earned her forty-fifth hard court triumph of 2025
Rybakina secured the largest prize in women's tennis all time by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.
The 26-year-old produced a stunning display to defeat four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Since each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a historic almost £4 million – the largest payout awarded in women's tennis history.
The reward exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian earned for winning the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.
"This has been an amazing tournament," commented the Kazakh player.
"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to go so far was just incredible."
"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an outstanding achievement."
Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a impressive opening set performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to secure the first set.
With the second set on serve, the world number one defended two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.
But, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of chances in the following game to level the second set at 5-5.
Her inability to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning every point to take home the title.
The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.
An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her team shortly after the match.
"It was not the finest display from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the superior competitor," Sabalenka addressed the audience.
"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."
