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Rybakina secured the greatest payday in women's tennis history by defeating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a impressive performance to overcome four-times major winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor came through the competition without a loss, the reward on offer was a unprecedented £3.98m – the highest prize offering in WTA history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian received for winning September's US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

"It's been an incredible tournament," stated Rybakina.

"I honestly didn't expect any result so to reach the final was just unbelievable."

"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an outstanding accomplishment."

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

Rybakina saved a couple of break points before taking every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one saved two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the following game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina winning every point to take home the championship.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team soon after the match.

"It was not the finest display from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior player," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful title."