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Rybakina secured the greatest prize in women's tennis history by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant performance to beat four-time Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players came through the event undefeated, the prize money on the table was a unprecedented £3.98m – the largest prize awarded in WTA the sport's history.

The reward surpasses the £3.74 million Sabalenka received for winning September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an incredible tournament," commented Rybakina.

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

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

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

Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to seal the opening set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favor.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh taking every point to take home the championship.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her team soon after the final.

"It was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful title."