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Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest prize in WTA all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old produced a stunning performance to beat four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since both players came through the competition undefeated, the reward on the table was a record-breaking £3.98m – the largest prize offering in WTA the sport's history.

The prize money tops the £3.74m Sabalenka received for winning September's US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an incredible tournament," said Rybakina.

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

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winning shots during a impressive opening set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of chances before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and held her serve to win the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favor.

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of chances in the following game to level the second set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break performance, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to win the title.

The victory, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one place in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.

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