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Rybakina won the biggest reward in WTA all time by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a impressive display to beat four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Since each competitor came through the event without a loss, the prize money on offer was a unprecedented £3.98m – the largest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

The reward tops the £3.74m Sabalenka won for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

"It's been an amazing tournament," stated the Kazakh player.

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to reach the final was just unbelievable."

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an outstanding achievement."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winners during a dominant opening set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of chances before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and served out to seal the first set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one defended two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering two set points in the next game to level the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to win the championship.

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

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest performance from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the better player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."