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Rybakina claimed the biggest reward in women's tennis history by beating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina produced a brilliant performance to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players came through the event undefeated, the reward on offer was a historic £3.98m – the biggest payout offering in WTA the sport's history.

The reward tops the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an fantastic tournament," commented the Kazakh player.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just incredible."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an incredible accomplishment."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winners during a commanding opening set display.

Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before taking every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to seal the first set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting two set points in the following game to tie the set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina taking every point to win the title.

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

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final.

"That was not the best display from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the superior competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning title."