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Elena Rybakina achieved the biggest payout in women’s tennis history by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets in the WTA Finals.
The 26-year-old produced a stunning display to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.
With both players qualifying for the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer broke a record £3.98 million – the largest pay-per-view bid in women’s tennis history.
The prize money exceeds the £3.74m that Sabalenka, 27, received after winning the US Open in September, which was the highest-grossing Grand Slam of 2025.
“It’s been an amazing week,” said Rybakina from Kazakhstan.
“Honestly I wasn’t expecting any results, so to go this far was unbelievable.
“I want to extend my congratulations to Arina for taking first place for the second year in a row, it is an amazing achievement.”
Rybakina, who was ranked sixth in the world, notched 16 winners during a dominating first-set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to go the distance, holding serve to take the first set.
As the second set continued, Sabalenka saved two break points at 4-4, tipping the scales in her favor.
But, doing her best to upset Rybakina’s rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting two set points in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.
Sabalenka’s failure to equalize the match affected her performance in the tie-break, as Rybakina won all seven points to take home the title.
The win, Rybakina’s sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up one place in the rankings to fifth in the world.
A distraught Sabalenka appeared in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the match.
The Belarusian player told the fans: “It was not my best performance today, but Elena was definitely the better player.”
“You literally blew me off the field. I’m happy to see you playing your best. Enjoy this beautiful trophy.”
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