BREAKING: Aryna Sabalenka sets new WTA single-season prize money record

Aryna Sabalenka may have missed out on the WTA Finals trophy, but she still made history. The world No. 1 has officially broken the long-standing record for the highest single-season prize money in WTA history, surpassing a milestone set over a decade ago by Serena Williams.

Sabalenka’s 2025 campaign earned her an astonishing $15,008,519 in on-court winnings, eclipsing the $12,385,572 Serena amassed back in 2013. Her relentless consistency, deep Grand Slam runs, and dominance on the tour have combined to deliver one of the richest and most impressive seasons ever recorded.

Her second consecutive US Open victory accounted for the biggest slice of her earnings, bagging a $5 million check. That triumph not only cemented her status as the world’s top player but also placed her in rare company among women who have successfully defended a Grand Slam title in the modern era.

The Belarusian star’s runner-up finish to Elena Rybakina in Riyadh brought another $2.7 million to her total. Along with second-place finishes at both the Australian Open and in Paris, Sabalenka collected more than $2.5 million combined from those events alone. Her season was a showcase of elite consistency — making finals, fighting for every point, and pushing the limits of her game.

In her post-match remarks following the WTA Finals loss, Sabalenka expressed pride more than disappointment. “I have so many things to be proud of,” she said, acknowledging the emotional weight of an intense season. Her comments reflected maturity and perspective, showing that her focus extended beyond trophies.

Despite the record-breaking earnings, Sabalenka was quick to downplay the financial milestone. “I just really love the sport,” she said. “I enjoy fighting, I enjoy pushing myself to the limit. Of course, when you win, you realize, ‘Oh, that’s a good check,’ but that’s never on my mind during the match.”

It’s a statement that encapsulates Sabalenka’s evolution. Once known for fiery temper and inconsistency, she has become the face of discipline and focus. Her 2025 season was about balance — controlling her power, channeling her aggression, and sustaining form through the grind of a full year.

While her official total doesn’t yet include sponsorships and bonuses, estimates suggest Sabalenka’s overall earnings could exceed $18 million this year, matching or even surpassing her 2024 combined income as reported by Forbes. Her brand continues to grow, fueled by her dominance on court and her confident, unfiltered personality off it.

The WTA’s ongoing push for parity in prize money has also played a key role in this milestone. Events like the Riyadh Finals have dramatically raised the stakes, offering record-breaking purses that reflect the growing commercial power of women’s tennis. Sabalenka’s achievement, therefore, is not only personal but symbolic of a broader shift in the sport’s financial landscape.

As the season draws to a close, Sabalenka can take pride in knowing that even without the WTA Finals crown, she stands alone at the summit — a record-breaker, a back-to-back Grand Slam champion, and proof that consistency and courage can redefine history.

Her next goal? Rest, reflection, and perhaps a quiet toast. As she once joked after her US Open win, “Maybe I’ll sit back in the Maldives with my tequila and think about how crazy this season has been.”