Rybakina Stuns Aryna Sabalenka to Secure Historic £4m Payout

Match Action

Elena Rybakina sealed her forty-fifth hard-court victory of the year

Rybakina secured the biggest prize in women's tennis history by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old produced a stunning performance to beat four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Since both players advanced through the tournament undefeated, the reward on offer was a unprecedented £3.98m – the largest payout awarded in women's tennis history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning the US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an incredible week," said the Kazakh player.

"I honestly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just unbelievable."

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

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winners during a dominant first-set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two chances before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and held her serve to secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended another two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the following game to level the second set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh winning every point to claim the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team soon after the final.

"It was not the best display from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning trophy."

Virginia Hughes
Virginia Hughes

A wellness coach and writer passionate about holistic health and empowering others through mindful living.