Elena Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka to Secure Historic £4 Million Payout
Elena Rybakina secured her 45th hard court victory of the year
Rybakina won the biggest payday in women's tennis history by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.
Rybakina delivered a brilliant performance to overcome four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.
Since each competitor advanced through the tournament without a loss, the reward on the table was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the biggest payout offering in women's tennis history.
The reward surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.
"It's been an amazing tournament," said Rybakina.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to go so far was just incredible."
"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, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant first-set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two chances before winning all four points in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to seal the first set.
With the second set on serve, the world number one defended two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.
However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.
Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to claim the title.
The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.
An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team soon after the match.
"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the better competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.
"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful title."
