Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Secure Record £4 Million Prize
Elena Rybakina secured her 45th hard-court triumph of 2025
Rybakina secured the greatest payday in women's tennis all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.
Rybakina delivered a stunning display to beat four-time major winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Since both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the purse on the table was a record-breaking £3.98m – the largest payout offering in women's tennis the sport's history.
The reward surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka received for claiming September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.
"This has been an fantastic week," said the Kazakh player.
"I honestly didn't expect any result so to win the title was just incredible."
"Let me offer praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an outstanding achievement."
The champion, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winning shots during a impressive first-set display.
Rybakina fended off a couple of break points 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, Sabalenka saved another two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.
But, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two chances in the following game to level the second set at five-all.
Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to take home the title.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up 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 final.
"That was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the better player," the Belarusian told the crowd.
"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."