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Rybakina won the greatest prize in WTA all time by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

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

Since both players advanced through the competition without a loss, the purse on the table was a historic £3.98 million – the highest prize awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning September's US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

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

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

"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a dominant opening set display.

Rybakina saved two chances before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to win the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of set points in the next game to tie the second set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh winning every point to claim the title.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up one spot in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she met with her team soon after the final.

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

"You really smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."