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Elena Rybakina secured the greatest reward in WTA history by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

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

Since each competitor came through the tournament without a loss, the reward on the table was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the largest prize awarded in WTA history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for winning September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

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

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just unbelievable."

"I want to say praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an outstanding achievement."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winners during a impressive first-set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to win the first set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the next game to level the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking every point to claim the championship.

The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final.

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

"You really overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning title."