Elena Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Win Historic £4 Million Reward
Elena Rybakina secured her 45th hard-court win of the year
Elena Rybakina won the biggest reward in WTA history by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.
Rybakina produced a brilliant display to overcome four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.
Since both players came through the competition without a loss, the reward on offer was a historic almost £4 million – the biggest prize awarded in women's tennis history.
The reward exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka received 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 the Kazakh player.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just incredible."
"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year running, it's an incredible achievement."
Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winning shots during a impressive first-set performance.
Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to seal the opening set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.
But, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of set points in the following game to tie the second set at 5-5.
Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to claim the title.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will rise one spot in the rankings to number five in the world.
An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the match.
"It was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the audience.
"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning trophy."
