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Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest reward in WTA history by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

Rybakina produced a impressive display to beat four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because each competitor came through the competition undefeated, the prize money on offer was a historic £3.98m – the largest payout offering in women's tennis history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an incredible week," said Rybakina.

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

"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winners during a impressive opening set display.

Rybakina fended off two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to win the opening set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one saved another two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favor.

But, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting two chances in the following game to level the second set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to win the championship.

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

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her team soon after the final.

"It was not the finest display from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the superior competitor," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful trophy."