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Rybakina won the biggest prize in WTA history by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

Rybakina produced a impressive performance to defeat four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor came through the tournament without a loss, the purse on the table was a historic almost £4 million – the largest payout awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

The reward surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic week," stated the Kazakh player.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just unbelievable."

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an incredible achievement."

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

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

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

But, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of set points in the following game to level the second set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking every point to take home the championship.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one place in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team shortly after the match.

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

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