🔗 Share this article

Elena Rybakina secured the largest prize in WTA all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old produced a impressive performance to overcome four-time major winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

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

This amount tops the £3.74m Sabalenka received for claiming September's US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

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

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

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

The champion, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a commanding opening set display.

Rybakina fended off two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out 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 two chances in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to claim the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

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

"It was not the finest display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.

"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."