Rybakina Stuns Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Record £4m Reward
Elena Rybakina earned her 45th hard-court win of the year
Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest prize in WTA all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.
The 26-year-old produced a stunning display to overcome four-times major winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Since each competitor came through the tournament without a loss, the prize money on the table was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the biggest payout awarded in women's tennis history.
The reward exceeds 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 week," said Rybakina.
"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to go so far was just remarkable."
"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an outstanding accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winning shots during a commanding first-set performance.
Rybakina saved two break points before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to secure the first set.
As the second set progressed, the world number one saved two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.
But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting two chances in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.
Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break performance, with the Kazakh taking every point to win the title.
The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.
A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her team soon after the match.
"It was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.
"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful title."