The Hologic WTA Tour's championship day in Riyadh was a spectacle, with the singles and doubles champions crowned in style. Elena Rybakina, in her third appearance, emerged victorious, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(0) to claim her first WTA Finals crown and 10th career title. This triumph marked Rybakina as the 10th straight first-time champion at the WTA Finals, surpassing her own expectations.
Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens, the doubles champions, secured their second title three years after their 2022 victory. They defeated Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani with a score of 7-6(4), 6-1, showcasing their prowess on the court.
The WTA Finals in Riyadh was a historic event, with a record total of $15.5 million in prize money up for grabs. Rybakina's perfect 5-0 record earned her $5.235 million, the largest payout in women's sports history. Sabalenka, the runner-up, earned $2.695 million, setting a new WTA single-season prize-money record. Kudermetova and Mertens split the $1.06 million prize money for their doubles triumph.
The event also featured memorable moments, such as Ons Jabeur bringing out the Billie Jean King singles trophy and Angelique Kerber presenting the Martina Navratilova doubles trophy. Rybakina's journey to the title was remarkable, with an 11-match winning streak, including victories in Ningbo and Strasbourg.
The WTA Finals in Riyadh was a celebration of women's tennis, with emotional speeches and a display of sporting excellence. The tournament showcased the growth of women's tennis in Saudi Arabia, with Sabalenka expressing her joy in being part of this process. The event also marked the end of Babos and Stefani's partnership, with Babos announcing her retirement from full-time play in 2026. The WTA Finals in Riyadh will forever be etched in the history of women's tennis, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
