In a stunning upset at the WTA Finals held in Riyadh, Elena Rybakina emerged victorious over World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, claiming the Billie Jean King trophy and a record-breaking purse of $5.235 million. The match concluded with Rybakina triumphing 6-3, 7-6(0), marking a significant achievement in her professional career.
Rybakina, who entered the tournament as a last-minute qualifier, demonstrated remarkable poise and aggressive gameplay against Sabalenka, a player known for her formidable power. “It was challenging because she was very determined, hitting her shots deep and consistently,” Sabalenka admitted after the match. Rybakina’s road to the final was equally impressive, having defeated top competitors including World No. 2 Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula, securing her place among the elite in women’s tennis.
The win at the WTA Finals symbolizes a personal victory for Rybakina, as it capped off her season in which she not only showcased resilience but also claimed three titles, with previous triumphs in Strasbourg and Ningbo. Despite finishing as second to Sabalenka in overall titles won, Rybakina concluded the year with an exceptional 58-19 record, the best of her career.
“It’s been an incredible week,” Rybakina remarked. “I didn’t really expect to go this far, but I’m thrilled with how everything turned out.” The 2022 Wimbledon champion is now ranked at a career-high position of No. 5, and her victory brought her winning streak to 11 matches.
In the final match, both players showcased their powerful serves, but Rybakina’s composure stood out. She executed a crucial break at 4-2 in the first set, ultimately sealing it with a convincing 6-3 scoreline. The second set proved to be a tense battle, with Sabalenka fighting hard to save break points. However, when it came to the tiebreak, Rybakina displayed stunning form, winning it decisively 7-0.
While Sabalenka walked away empty-handed, she remains the year-end World No. 1 for the second consecutive year. Despite her disappointment in the final, she amassed four titles and achieved a season record of 63 match wins, alongside notable victories against numerous top-10 opponents.
The match concluded an intriguing season where Rybakina had moments of inconsistency but also showcased her resilience across various stages of the competitive calendar. Her impressive hard-court record, setting a personal best for wins in a single season, certainly places her among the elite players to monitor moving into the next year.
Post-match, the atmosphere became tense during the trophy presentation. Rybakina declined to participate in a photo opportunity with WTA Tour Chief Executive Portia Archer, stirring speculation about her relationship with the WTA amid ongoing discussions surrounding her coach, Stefano Vukov, who had faced scrutiny from the governing body.
In addressing the situation, Rybakina emphasized the importance of focusing on her performance rather than the surrounding controversies. As she looks ahead to the next season, the 26-year-old expressed hopes of sustaining her momentum: “This win gives me a lot of motivation, and I hope to carry this mindset into next season.”
With the tennis world keenly focusing on Rybakina’s next steps and Sabalenka’s drive to reclaim her title, the stage is set for what promises to be an exhilarating 2026 season.
