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Rybakina won the largest reward in women's tennis all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old produced a stunning display to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Since both players advanced through the event undefeated, the prize money on the table was a historic £3.98 million – the highest prize offering in WTA the sport's history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian won for winning the US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

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

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just incredible."

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

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winning shots during a impressive first-set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and served out to win the opening set.

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

But, having worked so hard to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to level the set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina winning every point to claim the championship.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her coaching team soon after the final.

"It was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," the Belarusian told the crowd.

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