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Elena Rybakina secured the largest prize in WTA history by defeating top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina produced a stunning performance to beat four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because each competitor advanced through the tournament without a loss, the purse on the table was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the largest payout offering in WTA the sport's history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian received for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

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

"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just incredible."

"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winning shots during a impressive first-set display.

Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to seal the first set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved another two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.

But, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering two chances in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to take home the title.

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

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team soon after the final.

"That was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the better competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.

"You really smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning title."