Elena Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Win Historic £4 Million Payout
Elena Rybakina sealed her forty-fifth hard court victory of the year
Rybakina claimed the greatest payday in women's tennis history by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.
The 26-year-old produced a impressive performance to overcome four-times major champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Since each competitor came through the competition without a loss, the purse on the table was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the biggest prize offering in WTA history.
This amount tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka received for winning the US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.
"This has been an amazing tournament," said Rybakina.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just incredible."
"I want to say praise to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an outstanding accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winning shots during a dominant first-set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to win the opening set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.
But, after fighting back 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 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to win the championship.
The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means Rybakina will move up one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.
A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final.
"It was not the finest display from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the better player," the Belarusian told the audience.
"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning title."
