Rybakina Upsets Sabalenka to Win WTA Finals Title in Riyadh

Elena Rybakina defeated World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6–3, 7–6 (0) today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to claim the WTA Finals title, becoming the first player representing Kazakhstan – and any Asian nation – to win the prestigious tournament.

The victory, which stretched Rybakina’s winning streak to 11 matches, earned her a prize of $5.235 million, while Sabalenka took home $2.695 million as the runner-up. Despite the loss, Sabalenka’s total earnings for the season set a new WTA single-season prize-money record, surpassing Serena Williams’ 2013 mark. Rybakina’s win marks the tenth consecutive year a first-time champion has been crowned at the WTA Finals.

“I was trying to stay very focused,” Rybakina said in a post-match press conference. “And I think even on the tiebreak, only when I heard the game, set, match then I realized that, yeah, the match is finished, because I had also experience being, being up on the tiebreak and losing it. So honestly, I was just focusing really.” The match lasted 1 hour and 47 minutes, with Rybakina dominating on serve with 13 aces. Sabalenka, despite generating five break-point opportunities, was unable to convert any of them. You can find more information about the WTA Finals on the official WTA website.

Sabalenka will finish the year as the year-end No. 1 for a second straight season – a feat achieved by only seven women in history – despite the defeat. “She played incredible,” Sabalenka said. “I feel like I did my best today. It didn’t work, but I think so many things I have to be proud of.” Rybakina will end the year at a career-high No. 5 ranking.

Officials stated that both players are expected to participate in the Australian Open in January, continuing their rivalry on the Grand Slam stage.