Rybakina earned her forty-fifth hard court win of 2025
Elena Rybakina secured the greatest reward in women's tennis all time by overcoming world number one Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.
The 26-year-old produced a stunning display to beat four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.
Because each competitor came through the competition undefeated, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the largest payout offering in WTA history.
The prize money surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian won for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.
"This has been an amazing week," stated the Kazakh player.
"I honestly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just incredible."
"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."
Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a commanding opening set performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two chances before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to seal the first set.
With the second set on serve, the world number one saved two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favor.
But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting two set points in the next game to level the second set at five-all.
Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to claim the championship.
The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will move up one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.
An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team shortly after the match.
"It was not the best display from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the better player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.
"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful title."