Elena Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Win Record £4m Reward
Rybakina secured her 45th hard court victory of 2025
Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest prize in women's tennis history by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.
The 26-year-old produced a impressive performance to defeat four-times major winner her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.
Since both players advanced through the event undefeated, the reward on the table was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the largest prize offering in women's tennis history.
This amount exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka won for winning September's New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.
"This has been an amazing tournament," commented Rybakina.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to reach the final was just remarkable."
"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an outstanding achievement."
Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winners during a commanding opening set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to win the first set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.
But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two chances in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.
Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tiebreak play, with Rybakina winning every point to claim the title.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will move up one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world.
An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her coaching team soon after the final.
"It was not the best display from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.
"You really smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."