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Elena Rybakina secured the greatest prize in WTA all time by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a stunning performance to overcome four-times major winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players advanced through the competition undefeated, the reward on offer was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the highest prize awarded in WTA history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka received for claiming September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an fantastic tournament," stated Rybakina.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an outstanding achievement."

The champion, who was the world number six, hit 16 winning shots during a commanding first-set performance.

Rybakina saved two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to win the opening set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one saved another two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favor.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting two chances in the following game to level the set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break performance, with Rybakina winning every point to claim the championship.

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

A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her team shortly after the match.

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

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful title."