Rybakina upsets Sabalenka to claim record £ 4 m prize

Monday, 10 November 2025 00:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Elena Rybakina sealed her 45th hard-court win of 2025

Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest payday in women’s tennis history by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets in the WTA Finals on Saturday.

The 26-year-old produced a stunning display to overcome four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia. Because both players came through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £ 3.98 million – the largest payout offering in women’s tennis history. The prize money tops the £ 3.74 million Sabalenka, 27, earned for winning September’s US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a dominant first-set display. With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

The victory, Rybakina’s sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.