Aryna Sabalenka's Emotional WTA Finals Exit and Reflection on a Record-Breaking Season
Aryna Sabalenka faced a tough defeat against Elena Rybakina at the WTA Finals on November 8, missing out on a historic payday in women's tennis. The match ended with Sabalenka visibly upset, captured in tears as she sat on the sidelines.
In a moment of frustration, she smashed her racket and muttered a Russian idiom, “Once a year even the stick shoots,” suggesting she viewed Rybakina’s victory as a stroke of luck rather than a testament to her skill. This sentiment was caught on camera, adding to the drama of the post-match atmosphere.
However, once the initial emotions subsided, Sabalenka acknowledged Rybakina's superior performance during the trophy ceremony. “I am getting old, I am getting really sensitive,” she remarked. “So many things to be proud of. Not the best performance, she was definitely the better player. She literally smashed me out of the court.”
Despite the loss, Sabalenka set a new WTA record for earnings in a single season. Her runner-up finish netted her $2.695 million, bringing her total earnings for 2025 to an impressive $15 million, surpassing Serena Williams' previous record of $12.385 million from 2013.
Earlier in the season, Sabalenka celebrated a significant victory at the 2025 U.S. Open, where she claimed her second consecutive women’s singles title by defeating Amanda Anisimova. In stark contrast to her reaction at the WTA Finals, Sabalenka praised Anisimova after their match, offering encouragement and acknowledging the challenges of competing at such a high level.
“Congrats Amanda on reaching back to back Slam finals [Wimbledon and US Open],” she stated during an on-court interview. “I know how much it hurts, losing in the final. But trust me, the moment you’re going to win the first one — and you are going to win it. You play incredible tennis!”
Reflecting on her year, Sabalenka took to Instagram on November 9 to share highlights from her season. “And that’s a wrap on the 2025 season!” she wrote. “This was a tough year, but incredibly rewarding. A Grand Slam title, World #1 for the second consecutive year, and a few trophies later… I couldn’t have done it without Team Tiger — the people that are by my side time and time again.”
Her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, commented on her post with enthusiasm for the upcoming season: “One more meu amor! Can’t wait for 2026.” The couple began dating in January 2024 and went public with their relationship in July of that year. In an exclusive interview, Sabalenka expressed how vital Frangulis' support has been throughout her demanding tennis career.
“His support means so much to me,” she shared. “Being on the road and having him support me, to make me laugh and to be able to work out together, makes life on the road feel more like home.”
