Elena Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Secure Record £4m Prize

Elena Rybakina won the largest payday in women's tennis all time by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

Rybakina produced a stunning display to defeat four-time major winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Since both players advanced through the tournament undefeated, the reward on the table was a record-breaking £3.98m – the biggest prize awarded in WTA the sport's history.

This amount tops the £3.74m the Belarusian won for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an incredible tournament," stated Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to reach the final was just unbelievable."

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

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winners during a commanding first-set performance.

Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to seal the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the next game to tie the second set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match affected her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina taking every point to win the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will move up one place in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest display from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the superior competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.

"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful title."