Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Win Historic £4m Reward
Rybakina secured her forty-fifth hard court triumph of the year
Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest reward in WTA all time by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.
The 26-year-old produced a impressive performance to defeat four-times Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.
Since both players came through the competition undefeated, the reward on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the biggest prize offering in WTA the sport's history.
The prize money surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for winning September's US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.
"This has been an incredible tournament," stated the Kazakh player.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just unbelievable."
"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an outstanding achievement."
The champion, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winning shots during a commanding opening set display.
Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to secure the first set.
As the second set progressed, the world number one defended two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.
However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the following game to level the second set at 5-5.
Her inability to level the match impacted her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh winning every point to claim the title.
The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world.
An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her coaching team shortly after the final.
"That was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.
"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."
