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Rybakina secured the largest payday in WTA history by defeating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

Rybakina produced a brilliant performance to overcome four-time major winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the reward on the table was a record-breaking £3.98m – the biggest payout awarded in WTA the sport's history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

"This has been an incredible tournament," commented Rybakina.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an outstanding achievement."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winning shots during a dominant opening set performance.

Rybakina fended off two chances before taking every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to win the first set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended another two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of set points in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tie-break performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to claim the championship.

The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the rankings to number five in the world.

An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her team soon after the match.

"It was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were definitely the superior player," Sabalenka told the crowd.

"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful title."