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Rybakina won the greatest payday in women's tennis all time by defeating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a impressive performance to beat four-time major champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because each competitor came through the competition without a loss, the reward on the table was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the highest prize awarded in WTA history.

This amount tops the £3.74m Sabalenka received for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

"This has been an fantastic week," said Rybakina.

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

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

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winning shots during a impressive first-set display.

Rybakina fended off two chances before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to win the first set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one saved another two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of set points in the next game to tie the set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break play, with Rybakina taking every point to win the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world.

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

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

"You really smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful title."