Elena Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka to Win Record £4m Prize
Rybakina earned her forty-fifth hard-court triumph of the year
Elena Rybakina claimed the largest reward in women's tennis all time by beating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.
The 26-year-old delivered a impressive display to defeat four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.
Because each competitor came through the competition without a loss, the prize money on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the biggest payout offering in women's tennis history.
The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for claiming the US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.
"It's been an fantastic tournament," commented the Kazakh player.
"I honestly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just remarkable."
"Let me offer praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant first-set display.
Rybakina saved a couple of chances before winning all four points 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 four-all to shift the balance in her favor.
However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to level the second set at 5-5.
Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina winning every point to take home the championship.
The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one place in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.
A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team soon after the final.
"That was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the better competitor," the Belarusian told the crowd.
"You really smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning title."
