Rybakina Upsets Sabalenka to Claim Record £4m Reward
Elena Rybakina secured her forty-fifth hard-court triumph of the year
Rybakina secured the greatest reward in women's tennis history by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.
Rybakina delivered a impressive performance to overcome four-times Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Because each competitor came through the tournament without a loss, the reward on the table was a record-breaking £3.98m – the highest prize offering in women's tennis the sport's history.
This amount exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming September's New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.
"It's been an amazing tournament," said the Kazakh player.
"I honestly didn't expect any result so to win the title was just incredible."
"I want to say praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a dominant first-set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two chances before taking all four points in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to secure the first set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.
But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of set points in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to claim the championship.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.
An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final.
"It was not the best display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.
"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning trophy."
