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Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest reward in WTA all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old produced a stunning performance to overcome four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because each competitor advanced through the tournament without a loss, the reward on offer was a historic £3.98 million – the highest prize awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

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

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year running, it's an outstanding achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winning shots during a commanding first-set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to win the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favor.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of set points in the following game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina taking all seven points to claim the championship.

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

A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her team soon after the match.

"That was not the finest performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the better competitor," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning title."