Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest payday in women’s tennis history by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets in the WTA Finals on Saturday.
The 26-year-old produced a stunning display to overcome four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia. Because both players came through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £ 3.98 million – the largest payout offering in women’s tennis history. The prize money tops the £ 3.74 million Sabalenka, 27, earned for winning September’s US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.
Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a dominant first-set display. With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.
The victory, Rybakina’s sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.