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Rybakina claimed the greatest payday in women's tennis history by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old produced a brilliant display to defeat four-times Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players advanced through the event undefeated, the purse on the table was a historic £3.98 million – the largest prize awarded in WTA history.

This amount surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka received for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

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

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

"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an incredible achievement."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winners during a dominant first-set display.

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

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

But, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting two set points in the next game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina winning all seven points to win the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

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

"That was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the better competitor," the Belarusian addressed the audience.

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