Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Win Record £4m Payout

Elena Rybakina claimed the largest payday in WTA all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina produced a impressive display to beat four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the reward on the table was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the biggest prize offering in WTA history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka won for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic week," said Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just incredible."

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a impressive opening set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to win the first set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering two set points in the following game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking every point to win the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one spot in the rankings to number five in the world.

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian told the audience.

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning title."