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Rybakina claimed the biggest reward in WTA history by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old produced a stunning performance to defeat four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor advanced through the tournament without a loss, the reward on the table was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the highest prize offering in women's tennis history.

The prize money tops the £3.74 million the Belarusian earned for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

"This has been an amazing week," said the Kazakh player.

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just unbelievable."

"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winning shots during a commanding opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to secure the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved another two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering two chances in the following game to level the second set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to win the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian told the audience.

"You really smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."