Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Record £4 Million Reward
Rybakina sealed her 45th hard court win of the year
Rybakina won the biggest reward in women's tennis history by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.
The 26-year-old produced a impressive performance to defeat four-time Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.
Because each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the purse on offer was a historic £3.98 million – the largest prize offering in women's tennis the sport's history.
The prize money surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.
"It's been an amazing week," commented Rybakina.
"I honestly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just unbelievable."
"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winning shots during a impressive opening set display.
Rybakina fended off two break points before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to win the first set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.
But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to take home the championship.
The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one place in the rankings to fifth in the world.
An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her team shortly after the match.
"It was not the finest performance from me today but Elena you were definitely the superior competitor," the Belarusian addressed the audience.
"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning title."