Elena Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Secure Record £4 Million Prize

Rybakina secured the biggest payday in WTA all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

Rybakina delivered a impressive display to overcome four-times major champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because each competitor advanced through the event without a loss, the prize money on offer was a historic £3.98m – the highest payout offering in women's tennis history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

"This has been an fantastic tournament," commented the Kazakh player.

"I honestly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just remarkable."

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

The champion, who was the world number six, hit 16 winning shots during a impressive first-set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two chances before winning all four points in the sixth game to take the break and served out to win the first set.

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

But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting two set points in the following game to level the second set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to take home the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will rise one spot in the rankings to number five in the world.

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team soon after the match.

"It was not the best display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the superior competitor," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You really smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning trophy."