Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Secure Historic £4 Million Reward

Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest payday in WTA all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

Rybakina produced a impressive performance to defeat four-time Grand Slam winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a historic £3.98 million – the biggest payout awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an amazing week," said the Kazakh player.

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to win the title was just remarkable."

"I want to say praise to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an outstanding achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a impressive opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of chances before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to win the first set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one defended two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the following game to level the second set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina winning every point to claim the championship.

The victory, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one place in the rankings to number five in the world.

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team soon after the match.

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior player," Sabalenka told the crowd.

"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning trophy."