Elena Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Record £4 Million Prize

Rybakina secured the biggest prize in WTA history by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old produced a impressive performance to defeat four-time major winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Since each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the purse on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the highest payout offering in WTA history.

The prize money tops the £3.74m Sabalenka won for winning September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

"This has been an amazing tournament," stated Rybakina.

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just incredible."

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an tremendous achievement."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winners during a impressive opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended another two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favor.

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting two set points in the following game to level the second set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to win the championship.

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

A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her team soon after the final.

"It was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning title."