Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka to Claim Record £4m Reward

Rybakina claimed the largest reward in women's tennis all time by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old produced a impressive display to defeat four-time major champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because both players came through the tournament without a loss, the prize money on offer was a historic £3.98 million – the largest prize awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

The prize money tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an fantastic tournament," commented Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to win the title was just incredible."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of chances before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to secure the first set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended another two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the next game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking every point to win the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one place in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team soon after the match.

"That was not the best performance from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the better competitor," the Belarusian told the audience.

"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning trophy."