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New Delhi: Elena Rybakina delivered a brilliant performance to defeat Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(0) and clinch her maiden WTA Finals title in Riyadh. She came into the tournament with an impressive 11-match winning streak and remained undefeated throughout the event.
The world No. 1, Sabalenka, also entered the final unbeaten, creating a high-stakes final. This was her 11th WTA singles title and her first triumph at the prestigious year-end championships.
She also created history as the first Kazakhstani player to lift the WTA Finals trophy. Beyond the title, the win brought her maximum ranking points and a massive prize money $5.235 million.
Rybakina started brilliantly and broke Sabalenka early in the first set, maintaining relentless pressure on the opponent with her commanding groundstrokes and disciplined serving. Sabalenka tried to make a comeback in the second set, holding serve under massive pressure and pushing the set to a tiebreak.
However, Rybakina remained calm and composed, racing to a 5-0 lead in the tiebreak before closing it 7-0. Despite Sabalenka’s top ranking and previous head-to-head advantage, Rybakina’s sensational serving and tactical command of the court proved decisive.
"Well, it gives a lot of motivation, and hopefully I get some good rest and I can keep this mentality and bring it to the next season. And yeah, hopefully we can improve even more and start strong. And I'm really glad that that was pretty stable throughout the whole tournament", said Rybakina after the match.
Sabalenka said that she feels like she did her best today, but it didn't work. The Belarusian further added that she is leaving this tournament without any disappointment.
Sabalenka will finish 2025 with four titles and 63 match wins, including the US Open and two WTA 1000 trophies, and will end the year as No. 1 for a second consecutive season.
