🔗 Share this article

Rybakina claimed the largest reward in WTA all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a stunning performance to overcome four-times major winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players advanced through the competition without a loss, the reward on the table was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the highest payout offering in women's tennis history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian received for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an amazing week," stated Rybakina.

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just remarkable."

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

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

Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to win the opening set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, 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 five-all.

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

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

A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her coaching team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest performance from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the better player," Sabalenka told the audience.

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