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Rybakina secured the largest prize in WTA all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina produced a stunning display to beat four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players came through the competition undefeated, the purse on the table was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the biggest prize offering in women's tennis history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million Sabalenka received for winning the US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an incredible tournament," commented the Kazakh player.

"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to go so far was just unbelievable."

"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an outstanding accomplishment."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winning shots during a dominant opening set performance.

Rybakina saved a couple of break points before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to win the first set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the following game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina taking every point to claim the championship.

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

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

"It was not the best performance from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the superior competitor," the Belarusian told the audience.

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