Elena Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Historic £4 Million Prize
Elena Rybakina sealed her 45th hard court victory of 2025
Rybakina won the largest payday in women's tennis history by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.
Rybakina produced a impressive display to overcome four-time Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Since both players came through the competition undefeated, the reward on the table was a historic almost £4 million – the biggest prize awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.
The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.
"This has been an fantastic week," said Rybakina.
"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to go so far was just unbelievable."
"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an tremendous accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a impressive first-set performance.
Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to seal the first set.
With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended another two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favor.
But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of set points in the next game to level the set at 5-5.
Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning every point to claim the championship.
This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one place in the rankings to fifth in the world.
An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team shortly after the match.
"It was not the best display from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.
"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful trophy."
