Rybakina Upsets Sabalenka to Claim Record £4 Million Reward
Rybakina sealed her 45th hard court victory of 2025
Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest reward in women's tennis all time by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.
Rybakina delivered a impressive display to beat four-time major champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.
Because both players came through the tournament undefeated, the purse on offer was a historic £3.98m – the biggest payout offering in women's tennis the sport's history.
The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian earned for claiming September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.
"This has been an incredible tournament," said Rybakina.
"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to win the title was just unbelievable."
"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an outstanding achievement."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winning shots during a dominant opening set performance.
Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to take the break and served out to seal the first set.
With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.
But, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of set points in the following game to tie the set at five-all.
Sabalenka's failure to level the match impacted her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to claim the title.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.
A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team soon after the final.
"That was not the best display from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior competitor," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.
"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning trophy."
