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Rybakina claimed the largest reward in WTA all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old delivered a impressive display to defeat four-time major champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since both players advanced through the competition without a loss, the purse on offer was a unprecedented £3.98m – the highest payout awarded in WTA history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic week," commented the Kazakh player.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to win the title was just remarkable."

"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an tremendous achievement."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winners during a impressive opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to win the first set.

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

But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the following game to tie the set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match affected her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh taking every point to take home the title.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team soon after the match.

"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning trophy."