Rybakina Upsets Sabalenka to Win Historic £4m Prize

Match Play — Elena Rybakina secured her 45th hard-court win of 2025

Rybakina claimed the largest payday in WTA history by beating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old delivered a impressive performance to defeat four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Since both players came through the competition undefeated, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the largest prize awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian won for winning September's New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

"It's been an incredible week," said Rybakina.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just unbelievable."

"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year running, it's an outstanding achievement."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winners during a commanding opening set performance.

Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and held her serve to secure the first set.

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

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning every point to take home the championship.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will move up one place in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her coaching team soon after the match.

"It was not the finest display from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning trophy."