Elena Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Historic £4m Reward
Elena Rybakina earned her forty-fifth hard-court triumph of 2025
Rybakina secured the biggest payday in WTA history by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.
Rybakina delivered a brilliant display to defeat four-times major champion Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.
Because each competitor advanced through the competition without a loss, the prize money on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the largest payout offering in women's tennis the sport's history.
The reward exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka won for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.
"This has been an fantastic week," commented Rybakina.
"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just remarkable."
"I want to say praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winning shots during a impressive first-set performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to take the break and served out to seal the opening set.
With the second set on serve, the world number one defended two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.
But, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of set points in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.
Sabalenka's failure to level the match impacted her tie-break performance, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to win the championship.
This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.
A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team soon after the final.
"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the superior player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.
"You really overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning trophy."
