Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka to Secure Historic £4 Million Payout

Elena Rybakina secured the largest payday in women's tennis all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

Rybakina produced a brilliant performance to beat four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Since each competitor advanced through the tournament undefeated, the reward on offer was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the highest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

The prize money tops the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an incredible tournament," stated Rybakina.

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just incredible."

"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winning shots during a dominant opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to seal the opening set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one saved two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the next game to tie the second set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina taking every point to take home the championship.

The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her team soon after the final.

"It was not the best performance from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful trophy."