Elena Rybakina closed out her season in dominant fashion, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6 (0) to win the WTA Finals in Riyadh. The Kazakhstani star extended her winning streak to 11 matches and claimed a record £3.9 million prize. It was her third title of the year and her first at the prestigious year-end event.
Sabalenka’s Stellar Season
Despite the defeat, Sabalenka’s 2025 season was exceptional. She won more titles than any other player on the WTA Tour, including the US Open, Brisbane International, Miami Open, and Madrid Open. She also reached the finals of the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Stuttgart Open, and French Open, securing the year-end No.1 ranking for the second consecutive year.
Sabalenka’s Emotional Speech
Aryna Sabalenka struggled to hold back tears during her runner-up speech at the King Saud University Indoor Arena.
“Thank you guys for an incredible atmosphere the whole week. I really enjoy playing in front of you. Thank you so much for the support, today especially.”
She praised her opponent’s performance:
“Maybe not the best performance. But Elena, you were definitely a better player today. You literally smashed me out of the court so… Very well done.”
Sabalenka also expressed gratitude to the organizers and her team:
“Thank you everyone who brought this tournament here. I’m happy to be part of the process of growing tennis in this beautiful country. Thank you so much.”
Overcome with emotion, she paused before adding with a smile:
“I guess I’m getting old. I’m getting really sensitive! So many things to be proud of. Thank you guys.”
Rybakina’s Graceful Response
In her own speech, Rybakina showed humility and admiration for Sabalenka:
“I want to congratulate Aryna for being No.1 the second year in a row. It’s an amazing achievement, it’s incredible. Congrats to you and your team.”
She reflected on her unexpected success:
“I honestly didn’t expect any result and to go so far, it’s just incredible.”
Aryna Sabalenka in 2025
LWWWWLWWWW Now ranked no.1, Sabalenka played her last contest on the 8th of November when she was defeated by world no.6 Elena Rybakina 6-3 7-6(0) in the final in Riyadh (draw).
This year Aryna has a composed 63-12 record. Aryna has won 4 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami, Madrid and U.S. Open. Sabalenka was the runner-up at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Stuttgart, French Open and Riyadh.
Elena Rybakina in 2025
Now ranked no.6, Elena played her last match on the 8th of November when she beat world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 7-6(0) in the final in Riyadh to win her 11th career title.
This season the Kazakhstani has a 59-19 match record. The Kazakhstani conquered 3 titles in 2025 in Strasbourg, Ningbo and Riyadh.
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina fought against each other 14 times. Their actual head to head record is 8-6 for Sabalenka.
