Elena Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Win Historic £4 Million Reward
Elena Rybakina sealed her forty-fifth hard-court victory of the year
Rybakina secured the greatest payday in WTA history by beating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.
Rybakina delivered a impressive display to beat four-times major champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Because each competitor advanced through the competition without a loss, the prize money on the table was a unprecedented £3.98m – the highest prize offering in women's tennis history.
The reward tops the £3.74m the Belarusian received for claiming September's New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.
"This has been an fantastic week," stated Rybakina.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just unbelievable."
"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an tremendous achievement."
The champion, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a commanding opening set performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to secure the opening set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.
However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by squandering two set points in the next game to level the set at 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning every point to win the title.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world.
A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team shortly after the match.
"It was not the finest display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the superior competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.
"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning title."