Rybakina defeats Sabalenka to claim WTA Finals title and record prize money
Elena Rybakina delivered a masterful performance throughout the week at the WTA Finals, culminating in a commanding 6-3 7-6(0) victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday. The triumph secured her maiden season-ending championship trophy along with a record-breaking $5.235 million prize purse.
The concluding event of this season's WTA Tour featured four different Grand Slam champions competing for the title, yet it was claimed by a player who failed to advance beyond the quarter-finals at any major tournament in 2025. Rybakina entered as the final qualifier following her victory in Ningbo and semi-final appearance in Tokyo.
The Kazakh star accumulated 1,500 ranking points from her undefeated week, representing her largest single-tournament haul. This achievement held particular significance given that she received zero points for capturing the 2022 Wimbledon title after the ATP and WTA stripped the tournament of ranking points for prohibiting Russian and Belarusian competitors following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
"It's been an incredible week, I honestly didn't expect any result and to go so far, I mean, it's just incredible," Rybakina said after collecting the Billie Jean King trophy, her third title of the season.
"Congratulations Aryna for being number one (at the year-end) for the second season in a row, an amazing achievement.
"Today was such a tough battle, some moments I didn't like here but it's tennis and I hope we're going to play many more finals in big tournaments together."
The championship match represented a rematch of the 2023 Australian Open final, which Sabalenka captured. However, this time Rybakina seized the early momentum with a relentless display of powerful groundstrokes, overcoming concerns about a troublesome shoulder to break serve and establish a 4-2 advantage in the opening set.
Dominant display from the world number six
The composed world number six demonstrated remarkable resilience by recovering from 15-40 down in the seventh game to consolidate her lead. She claimed the opening set with aggressive shot-making from both wings, forcing the 2022 finalist to face an uphill battle.
Rybakina intensified her dominance in the second set, surrendering just two points across four service games. She displayed exceptional mental fortitude during a crucial hold in the 10th game when Sabalenka netted a forehand under pressure.
Two games later, Rybakina unleashed her formidable serve to force a tiebreak, where the Kazakh established an immediate lead and maintained control throughout. The victory extended her winning streak to 11 consecutive matches while delivering the championship trophy.
"It wasn't my best performance, but yeah, Elena you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka said.
"You literally smashed me out of the court, so very well done. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. It was a nice comeback at the end of this season.
"Now it's time to enjoy your off-season and enjoy this beautiful trophy," Sabalenka added, before fighting off tears as she thanked her own team.
"Not the result we all wanted today ... I guess I'm getting old, I'm getting sensitive. So many things to be proud of."
SportsLigue