Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Win Record £4m Payout
Elena Rybakina earned her 45th hard court victory of 2025
Rybakina claimed the greatest reward in WTA history by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.
Rybakina produced a impressive display to beat four-times Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.
Because each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the largest prize awarded in women's tennis history.
The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.
"This has been an fantastic tournament," commented Rybakina.
"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable."
"I want to say praise to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winners during a commanding opening set performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to seal the opening set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.
However, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of chances in the next game to tie the second set at five-all.
Sabalenka's failure to level the match impacted her tie-break performance, with the Kazakh taking every point to take home the title.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.
A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team soon after the match.
"That was not the finest display from me today but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.
"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful trophy."
