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Elena Rybakina secured the greatest prize in women's tennis history by defeating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a stunning performance to overcome four-time Grand Slam winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because each competitor came through the event without a loss, the reward on offer was a unprecedented £3.98m – the highest prize offering in women's tennis the sport's history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian won for claiming September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an incredible tournament," said the Kazakh player.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to win the title was just remarkable."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an outstanding achievement."

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

Rybakina fended off two break points before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to seal the first set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.

But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to win the championship.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will move up one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.

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

"That was not the best display from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning title."