Rybakina Upsets Sabalenka to Claim Historic £4 Million Prize
Elena Rybakina secured her forty-fifth hard-court victory of 2025
Elena Rybakina claimed the largest reward in women's tennis all time by beating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.
Rybakina produced a impressive performance to beat four-times major champion Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.
Since each competitor advanced through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the largest prize offering in women's tennis history.
This amount exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.
"This has been an fantastic tournament," stated Rybakina.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just incredible."
"Let me offer praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an tremendous accomplishment."
The champion, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a commanding first-set performance.
Rybakina saved two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to take the break and served out to win the first set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.
But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of chances in the following game to level the set at 5-5.
Sabalenka's failure to level the match impacted her tie-break performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to claim the title.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one place in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.
A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team shortly after the final.
"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian addressed the audience.
"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning trophy."