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

Rybakina produced a impressive display to overcome four-time Grand Slam winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor came through the event without a loss, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the largest prize awarded in WTA history.

This amount tops the £3.74 million the Belarusian earned for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an incredible week," commented Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to win the title was just incredible."

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible accomplishment."

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

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two break points before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to seal the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by squandering two chances in the following game to level the second set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh winning every point to win the title.

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

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her team shortly after the final.

"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.

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