Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Win Historic £4 Million Prize
Elena Rybakina earned her 45th hard-court triumph of 2025
Elena Rybakina won the biggest prize in women's tennis history by defeating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.
The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant display to beat four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.
Because both players came through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a unprecedented £3.98m – the biggest prize awarded in women's tennis history.
The reward surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.
"This has been an incredible week," said the Kazakh player.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just unbelievable."
"Let me offer praise to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a commanding first-set display.
Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to win the first set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.
But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the next game to level the set at 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina winning every point to take home the championship.
The victory, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, 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 coaching team shortly after the match.
"That was not the best performance from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian told the crowd.
"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning trophy."
