Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Secure Record £4m Payout

Match Play

Elena Rybakina sealed her 45th hard court triumph of 2025

Rybakina secured the biggest reward in women's tennis all time by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

Rybakina delivered a stunning display to defeat four-time major winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because each competitor came through the competition undefeated, the reward on the table was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the largest payout awarded in women's tennis history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian received for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an incredible week," said the Kazakh player.

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to win the title was just unbelievable."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an outstanding accomplishment."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winners during a commanding opening set performance.

Rybakina saved two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to secure the first set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one defended two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, 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.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina winning all seven points to win the championship.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one spot 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 match.

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the superior player," Sabalenka told the crowd.

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

Ashley Wright
Ashley Wright

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