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

The 26-year-old delivered a impressive performance to defeat four-time major champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because each competitor advanced through the competition undefeated, the reward on offer was a historic £3.98 million – the highest prize offering in WTA history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka won for winning September's US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an incredible week," said Rybakina.

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

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

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

Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting two chances in the next game to tie the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning every point to claim the championship.

The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one place in the rankings to fifth in the world.

An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her coaching team soon after the match.

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

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