Elena Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Win Record £4m Payout
Elena Rybakina secured her 45th hard court victory of the year
Rybakina secured the biggest payday in women's tennis all time by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.
The 26-year-old produced a stunning display to overcome four-time major champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Since each competitor advanced through the event without a loss, the prize money on offer was a historic £3.98 million – the biggest prize offering in women's tennis the sport's history.
The prize money tops the £3.74m Sabalenka received for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.
"It's been an fantastic week," said Rybakina.
"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable."
"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an tremendous achievement."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winners during a impressive opening set performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two break points before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to win the opening set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.
But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.
Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh winning every point to win the championship.
The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.
A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her team shortly after the final.
"It was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the better competitor," the Belarusian told the crowd.
"You really overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful title."
