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

Rybakina claimed the largest prize in women's tennis history by beating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old produced a stunning performance to overcome four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Because both players came through the event undefeated, the prize money on the table was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the biggest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

The prize money tops the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"This has been an incredible week," stated the Kazakh player.

"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable."

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

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a commanding first-set display.

Rybakina fended off two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to win the first set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting 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 performance, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to win the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to number five in the world.

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

"That was not the finest display from me today but Elena you were definitely the superior player," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning trophy."