Elena Rybakina Upsets Sabalenka to Claim Historic £4 Million Reward

Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest payday in WTA history by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a impressive performance to beat four-time Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Since each competitor came through the competition undefeated, the reward on the table was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the highest payout offering in women's tennis the sport's history.

The reward tops the £3.74m Sabalenka won for claiming September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic week," said Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just remarkable."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a impressive opening set display.

Rybakina saved two chances before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to win the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two chances in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina winning all seven points to take home the championship.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will rise one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.

An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her team soon after the match.

"It was not the best display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning title."