Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Record £4 Million Prize
Rybakina earned her forty-fifth hard court triumph of the year
Rybakina claimed the biggest payday in women's tennis all time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.
Rybakina delivered a impressive display to beat four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.
Because both players came through the tournament without a loss, the purse on offer was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the highest prize offering in WTA the sport's history.
The reward surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian won for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.
"This has been an fantastic tournament," commented Rybakina.
"I honestly didn't expect any result so to reach the final was just remarkable."
"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a dominant first-set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to take the break and served out to secure the first set.
With the second set on serve, the world number one defended another two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.
However, 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 5-5.
Her inability to level the match impacted her tie-break performance, with Rybakina taking every point to win the title.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will rise one place in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.
A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her team soon after the match.
"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," Sabalenka told the audience.
"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful title."
