Rybakina Upsets Sabalenka to Secure Record £4 Million Prize

Rybakina claimed the greatest prize in women's tennis history by beating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

Rybakina delivered a stunning performance to defeat four-times major winner Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Because both players advanced through the competition without a loss, the purse on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the biggest prize awarded in WTA the sport's history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming September's New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic week," commented the Kazakh player.

"I honestly didn't expect any result so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

The champion, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a commanding first-set display.

Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before taking all four points in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to seal the first set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

But, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of chances in the following game to tie the second set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to claim the championship.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will rise one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.

An emotional the runner-up was seen crying 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 certainly the superior competitor," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning title."