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Rybakina claimed the biggest prize in women's tennis all time by overcoming world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant performance to defeat four-time Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Since both players advanced through the competition undefeated, the purse on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the highest prize offering in WTA history.

This amount tops the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an incredible tournament," said the Kazakh player.

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

"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an outstanding accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant opening set display.

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

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to claim the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

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

"It was not the finest performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian told the crowd.

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