Sixth-seeded Rybakina largely dictated the pace in the opening set, making a crucial break for 4-2 and then holding serve to extend her lead to 5-2, fending off three break points along the way. She finished the set confidently 6-3.
The second set was much more exciting, with both players holding their serves throughout. Sabalenka showed great composure and serving strength, saving two break points to hold at 5–4. After failing to convert two set points in the next game, plus a precious netted forehand, she responded in style, smashing three consecutive aces in a 6–5 love hold. However, Rybakina remained calm under the pressure and forced a tiebreak with another strong lead.
Despite the tight set, the tiebreak was one-sided as Rybakina took all the points to take victory and deny Sabalenka the WTA Finals title in the Belarusian’s second final of the tournament.
Rybakina was fantastic at the 2025 WTA Finals, and her win in the championship match comes as no surprise as she had defeated Sabalenka in the round-robin stage here in Riyadh last year. Undefeated in the Serena Williams Group, Rybakina recorded impressive victories over Amanda Anisimova, Iga Swiatek and alternate Ekaterina Alexandrova before defeating Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. Pegula played a smart, tactical match, but she could not withstand the barrage of free points that Rybakina generated with her booming serve. It’s no wonder, as Rybakina leads the WTA Tour in aces this season, with an astonishing 513.
This marks Rybakina’s first WTA Finals title. Along with the trophy, she takes home a remarkable $5.23 million in prize money.
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