🔗 Share this article

Elena Rybakina secured the biggest payday in WTA all time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old produced a impressive display to beat four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Since each competitor came through the competition undefeated, the reward on the table was a historic £3.98m – the highest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

The reward surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka received for claiming September's New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic week," said Rybakina.

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to reach the final was just incredible."

"I want to say praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an outstanding achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a commanding opening set performance.

Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to secure the opening set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.

But, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of set points in the following game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina winning all seven points to take home the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.

An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her team shortly after the match.

"That was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior competitor," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning trophy."