Elena Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Secure Record £4 Million Prize

Rybakina won the biggest prize in WTA history by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

Rybakina delivered a impressive display to overcome four-times Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Because each competitor advanced through the tournament without a loss, the prize money on offer was a unprecedented £3.98m – the biggest prize offering in women's tennis the sport's history.

This amount tops the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

"This has been an incredible week," said Rybakina.

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just incredible."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winning shots during a commanding first-set performance.

Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to seal the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favor.

But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting two chances in the following game to level the second set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to claim the championship.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team soon after the final.

"It was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."