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Rybakina claimed the largest reward in women's tennis all time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant performance to defeat four-time major champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor advanced through the event undefeated, the reward on offer was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the highest payout offering in women's tennis history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an incredible week," said the Kazakh player.

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

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

The champion, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winning shots during a impressive opening set performance.

Rybakina fended off two chances before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two chances in the next game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina taking every point to take home the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her team soon after the match.

"That was not the best performance from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the superior competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

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