In an exhilarating final at the 2025 WTA Finals, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina bested world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, securing a stunning victory with a score of 6-3, 7-6(0) at the King Saud University Indoor Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Historic Achievement

By winning this match, Rybakina not only claimed her first title at the WTA Finals but also made history with a staggering prize of US $5.235 million (over Php 300 million), the largest payout in women’s sports to date.

Path to Victory

Rybakina showcased her remarkable form throughout the tournament, entering the finals with an undefeated record of 3-0 in the group stage. Her semifinal match saw her defeat Jessica Pegula, further advancing her quest for the title.

Match Highlights

During the final against Sabalenka, Rybakina displayed excellent serving skills, notching up 13 aces and winning approximately 77% of her first-serve points. The dominance in the tiebreak, where she shut out her opponent, was particularly impressive.

Financial Breakdown

The substantial prize pool for the WTA Finals this year totaled US $15.5 million, reflecting an increase of $250,000 from the previous year. Rybakina’s earnings stem from multiple sources:

• Participation Fee: $340,000
• Round-robin Wins: $355,000 each
• Semi-final Win: $1.29 million
• Final Match Win: $2.54 million

This payout eclipses last year’s amount won by Coco Gauff, which was US $4.8 million and marked a significant milestone in the increase of prize money in women’s tennis.

Recent Trends in Prize Money

Rybakina’s victory underscores a broader trend in women’s sports, reflecting a substantial rise in prize money over recent years. In 2023, for example, the WTA Finals offered $9 million, demonstrating a commitment to elevating women’s athletics.

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Luisa Morales is a dedicated sports writer with a focus on promoting women’s sports. Her coverage includes major events such as the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and FIBA World Cup, alongside key figures in women’s athletics.