Elena Rybakina produced a brilliant performance to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets and capture the WTA Finals title — along with the biggest payday in women’s tennis history.
The 26-year-old from Kazakhstan overpowered the four-time Grand Slam champion 6-3, 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia to claim the £3.98 million top prize, the richest winner’s cheque ever awarded in women’s tennis.
Both players entered the final undefeated, setting up a record-breaking payout that eclipsed the £3.74m Sabalenka earned by winning the 2025 US Open.
“It’s been an incredible week,” said Rybakina. “I honestly didn’t expect any result, so to go this far was just incredible. Congratulations to Aryna for finishing number one for a second year in a row — it’s an amazing achievement.”
Rybakina, ranked world number six, hit 16 winners in a dominant opening set, breaking in the sixth game and holding firm to seal it 6-3.
The second set was tighter, with Sabalenka saving two break points at 4-4 before failing to convert two set points of her own in the following game.
That missed opportunity proved costly, as Rybakina raced through the ensuing tie-break 7-0 to clinch victory — her sixth win over Sabalenka in their rivalry.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion will now rise to fifth in the world rankings.
“It wasn’t my best performance today, but Elena, you were definitely the better player,” Sabalenka said afterward. “You literally smashed me off the court — enjoy this beautiful trophy.”
