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Rybakina secured the biggest payday in WTA history by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant display to overcome four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players advanced through the competition without a loss, the reward on the table was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the biggest payout offering in women's tennis history.

The reward tops the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an fantastic week," stated the Kazakh player.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to win the title was just incredible."

"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an outstanding accomplishment."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winners during a dominant opening set display.

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

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

However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the following game to level the second set at 5-5.

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

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will move up one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.

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

"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the superior player," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

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