Elena Rybakina Stuns Top-Ranked Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Record-Breaking £4M Prize at WTA Finals
In a stunning display of tennis prowess, Elena Rybakina, the 26-year-old from Kazakhstan, claimed the biggest prize in women's tennis history, a record-breaking £4 million, by defeating the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in straight sets at the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia. This victory marks Rybakina's second consecutive triumph over Sabalenka, with her sixth win over the Belarusian.
The tournament's prize pool, a staggering £3.98 million, was the largest ever offered in women's tennis, attracting the top players worldwide. Rybakina's victory not only secured her a substantial financial reward but also propelled her to the fifth spot in the global rankings, a significant leap from her previous position as world number six.
Rybakina's performance was nothing short of remarkable. She showcased her skills with 16 winners in the first set, demonstrating her dominance on the court. Her strategic gameplay, including saving two break points in the sixth game, showcased her resilience and tactical acumen. The second set was a closer affair, with Sabalenka saving two break points at 4-4, but Rybakina's consistency prevailed as she won all seven points in the tie-break, ultimately securing the victory.
Despite the loss, Sabalenka, the 27-year-old from Belarus, earned a substantial £3.74 million for her efforts in the US Open, the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025. She expressed her admiration for Rybakina's performance, stating, 'Elena, you were definitely the better player today. You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful trophy.'
Rybakina, in her post-match interview, expressed her gratitude and humility, saying, 'It's been an incredible week. I honestly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just incredible. I want to say congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement.' Her modest and respectful attitude towards her opponent highlights the sportsmanship and respect within the tennis community.
