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Rybakina secured the largest prize in WTA all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a impressive display to defeat four-times major winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Since each competitor advanced through the tournament undefeated, the purse on offer was a historic £3.98 million – the largest payout awarded in women's tennis history.

The prize money tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for claiming September's US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an incredible week," stated Rybakina.

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just remarkable."

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

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winning shots 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 go a break up and held her serve to win the opening set.

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

But, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting two set points in the following game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to claim the title.

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

An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final.

"It was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka told the audience.

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