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Rybakina claimed the greatest payday in WTA history by defeating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old produced a impressive performance to defeat four-time major champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because each competitor came through the competition without a loss, the purse on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the biggest payout offering in women's tennis the sport's history.

The prize money tops the £3.74m Sabalenka received for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

"This has been an amazing tournament," stated the Kazakh player.

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

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

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winning shots during a dominant first-set performance.

Rybakina saved a couple of chances before taking every point in the sixth game to go a break up and held her serve to win the opening set.

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

However, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two chances in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina winning all seven points to win the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one spot in the rankings to number five in the world.

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team soon after the match.

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Elena you were definitely the better player," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."