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Rybakina won the largest prize in women's tennis all time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

Rybakina produced a stunning display to defeat four-time major winner Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor advanced through the tournament undefeated, the reward on the table was a record-breaking £3.98m – the biggest prize awarded in WTA the sport's history.

The reward tops the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for claiming September's US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an amazing tournament," commented Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to reach the final was just remarkable."

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

The champion, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a dominant opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to seal the first set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at four-all 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 squandering two set points in the following game to level the set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh taking every point to win the title.

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

A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final.

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

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning trophy."