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

Rybakina produced a brilliant performance to overcome four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor came through the event undefeated, the prize money on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the biggest payout awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for winning September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic week," commented the Kazakh player.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to go so far was just remarkable."

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winning shots during a dominant first-set display.

Rybakina saved two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to secure the opening set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

But, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting two set points in the next game to tie the set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to win the title.

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

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team soon after the match.

"That was not the best display from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the better competitor," the Belarusian addressed the audience.

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