Elena Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Win Record £4m Payout

Match Action

Rybakina secured her forty-fifth hard court victory of 2025

Rybakina secured the biggest prize in women's tennis all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant display to defeat four-time major winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because each competitor advanced through the competition without a loss, the reward on the table was a historic £3.98 million – the highest payout offering in WTA history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for winning September's US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"This has been an amazing tournament," stated Rybakina.

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year running, it's an tremendous achievement."

The champion, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a dominant opening set display.

Rybakina fended off two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to win the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended another two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, having worked so hard to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting two chances in the next game to level the second set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking every point to take home the title.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world.

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team shortly after the final.

"That was not the finest performance from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the superior competitor," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.

"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning title."

Laura Joseph
Laura Joseph

A passionate esports journalist with over a decade of experience covering competitive gaming and industry trends.