Rybakina outguns top-ranked Sabalenka

Kazakh claims Finals crown, record payday

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Elena Rybakina lifts the trophy after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

(AFP)

Elena Rybakina clinched her biggest title since Wimbledon in 2022 by defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6 (7/0) at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Saturday.

The world No.6 put on yet another serving masterclass and was at her returning best as she became the first Kazakh and the first player representing an Asian country to lift the WTA Finals singles trophy.

Having gone 3-0 in round-robin play, Rybakina earned a record US$5.235 million and will finish the year ranked No.5 in the world.

“It’s been an incredible week, I honestly didn’t expect any result, and to go so far, it's just incredible,” said Rybakina, who battled a shoulder injury all week.

The ace leader on tour with 516 struck this season, Rybakina fired 13 against Sabalenka on Saturday, and finished the week with a total of 48 in Riyadh.