Elena Rybakina Upsets Sabalenka to Win Record £4 Million Prize
Elena Rybakina sealed her forty-fifth hard court win of 2025
Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest payday in WTA all time by overcoming world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.
The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant performance to defeat four-time major champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.
Since each competitor advanced through the event without a loss, the reward on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the biggest payout offering in WTA the sport's history.
The reward surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka won for claiming September's New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.
"It's been an incredible tournament," said Rybakina.
"Truly didn't expect any result so to win the title was just unbelievable."
"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an outstanding accomplishment."
The champion, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant opening set performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to seal the first set.
With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.
But, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of set points in the following game to level the second set at five-all.
Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina winning all seven points to win the championship.
This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will move up one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.
An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her team shortly after the final.
"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the better competitor," the Belarusian told the audience.
"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."
