🔗 Share this article

Elena Rybakina secured the largest reward in women's tennis all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a impressive display to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the reward on offer was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the largest payout awarded in WTA history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka won for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic tournament," commented Rybakina.

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

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

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winning shots during a impressive opening set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of break points before taking every point in the sixth game to go a break up and held her serve to seal the first set.

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

But, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of chances 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 taking every point to take home the championship.

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

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team soon after the final.

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

"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning trophy."