Elena Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka to Claim Record £4m Payout

Rybakina won the greatest prize in WTA history by defeating top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old produced a impressive display to overcome four-time major champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since both players came through the tournament without a loss, the reward on the table was a historic almost £4 million – the biggest payout offering in WTA the sport's history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for claiming September's US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

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

"I honestly didn't expect any result so to win the title was just incredible."

"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant first-set performance.

Rybakina fended off two chances before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to secure the opening set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two chances in the following game to level the set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to take home the championship.

The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world.

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her coaching team shortly after the final.

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."