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Rybakina secured the biggest payday in women's tennis history by beating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina produced a brilliant display to beat four-time Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players advanced through the event undefeated, the purse on offer was a historic £3.98 million – the highest payout offering in women's tennis history.

This amount tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

"This has been an fantastic tournament," said the Kazakh player.

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

"I want to say praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year running, it's an outstanding accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winning shots during a dominant opening set display.

Rybakina saved two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of chances in the following game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning every point to take home the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one spot in the rankings to number five in the world.

An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest display from me today but Elena you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning trophy."