Elena Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka to Claim Historic £4m Prize
Elena Rybakina secured her forty-fifth hard court win of 2025
Elena Rybakina claimed the largest payday in women's tennis history by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.
Rybakina produced a stunning performance to overcome four-time major champion Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.
Since each competitor came through the competition undefeated, the reward on the table was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the biggest payout offering in WTA the sport's history.
The prize money surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka received for winning September's New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.
"It's been an incredible week," commented the Kazakh player.
"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to reach the final was just remarkable."
"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an outstanding accomplishment."
The champion, who was the world number six, hit 16 winning shots during a commanding opening set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and served out to win the opening set.
With the second set on serve, the world number one defended two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.
However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of set points in the following game to level the set at 5-5.
Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to win the title.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one place in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.
A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her coaching team shortly after the match.
"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian addressed the audience.
"You really smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."
