Elena Rybakina capped off a sensational week in Riyadh with a commanding 6-3, 7-6(0) victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka to clinch the WTA Finals title—her biggest triumph since her 2022 Wimbledon breakthrough.
The Kazakh world number six delivered another breathtaking serving performance, firing 13 aces and dominating the baseline exchanges to become the first player representing an Asian nation to win the prestigious year-end singles trophy.
Rybakina, who battled a shoulder injury throughout the tournament, maintained her composure and precision to complete a perfect 3-0 run in round-robin play before toppling the top seed in the final.
“This week has been incredible. I didn’t expect this kind of result, especially with how I felt physically. It means a lot to finish the season this way,” Rybakina said after sealing the victory.
The 25-year-old earned a record-breaking US$5.235 million in prize money and will finish the season ranked world No. 5—her highest year-end ranking yet.
Rybakina’s win extended her winning streak to 11 matches and narrowed her head-to-head deficit against Sabalenka to 6–8. She had entered the WTA Finals as the last qualifier, riding momentum from her title run in Ningbo and a semi-final finish in Tokyo.
With her consistent power, calm demeanour, and championship mindset, Rybakina’s triumph in Riyadh signals her intent to challenge for the top spot in 2026.
