🔗 Share this article Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Win Record £4m Reward Rybakina secured her forty-fifth hard-court win of 2025 Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest payday in WTA history by defeating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship. The 26-year-old delivered a impressive display to beat four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country. Because each competitor advanced through the event without a loss, the purse on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the highest payout offering in women's tennis the sport's history. The prize money tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for winning September's US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025. "This has been an fantastic tournament," commented the Kazakh player. "I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable." "Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year running, it's an tremendous accomplishment." Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winning shots during a dominant opening set display. Rybakina saved two break points before winning 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, the world number one saved two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour. But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the following game to tie the second set at 5-5. Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break performance, with the Kazakh taking every point to claim the championship. This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one place in the rankings to number five in the world. An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her team soon after the final. "That was not the finest performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian told the crowd. "You really overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful title."