Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Record £4 Million Prize
Elena Rybakina secured her 45th hard court triumph of 2025
Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest payday in women's tennis history by overcoming world number one Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.
Rybakina produced a impressive display to defeat four-times Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.
Because both players came through the tournament without a loss, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the biggest prize awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.
The reward surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian received for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.
"It's been an fantastic tournament," commented the Kazakh player.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just unbelievable."
"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an outstanding achievement."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a impressive opening set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two chances before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to seal the opening set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.
However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the following game to level the set at 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider impacted her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh winning every point to win the championship.
The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up one place in the rankings to fifth in the world.
An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team soon after the final.
"It was not the finest performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.
"You really smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."
