“From quiet contender to unstoppable champion, Rybakina’s journey reached its golden peak in Riyadh.”
Elena Rybakina stunned world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to win the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh, taking home a record-breaking £4 million prize — the biggest single payout in women’s tennis history.
Rybakina defeated Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6 (7-0) with a dominant serving display, firing 13 aces and keeping calm under pressure. The win capped an unbeaten run through the tournament and earned her first WTA Finals title.
Sabalenka, who finished the season as world No. 1 for the second straight year, congratulated Rybakina after the match, admitting, “You were the better player today.”
The victory also made Rybakina the first player representing Kazakhstan to win the prestigious year-end championship. The tournament’s record prize fund highlighted the growing recognition and investment in women’s tennis.
Rybakina’s triumph in Riyadh marks a strong finish to her season and a clear signal that she’s now one of the top contenders for major titles in 2026.