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Elena Rybakina won the greatest reward in WTA history by defeating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

Rybakina delivered a impressive display to overcome four-time major champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players came through the event undefeated, the reward on the table was a historic £3.98 million – the biggest prize awarded in WTA the sport's history.

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

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

"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to reach the final was just unbelievable."

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a dominant opening set performance.

Rybakina saved a couple of chances before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to win the first set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favor.

However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of chances in the next game to tie the second set at five-all.

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

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

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

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning title."