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Elena Rybakina secured the biggest payday in women's tennis history by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

Rybakina produced a stunning performance to beat four-time major champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the reward on the table was a unprecedented £3.98m – the biggest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

This amount surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic tournament," said the Kazakh player.

"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an outstanding accomplishment."

The champion, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winners during a commanding first-set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two chances before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to seal the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance 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 next game to level the set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh taking every point to win the championship.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team soon after the final.

"That was not the finest performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the better player," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You really overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."