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Elena Rybakina claimed the largest reward in WTA all time by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old produced a brilliant display to beat four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the reward on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the highest prize offering in WTA the sport's history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka won for winning the US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an amazing week," said Rybakina.

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

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

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant first-set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two chances before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to secure the opening set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting two set points in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina taking every point to claim the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her coaching team soon after the final.

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the better player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning trophy."