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Elena Rybakina won the biggest reward in women's tennis history by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old produced a brilliant performance to beat four-time major champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since both players advanced through the competition undefeated, the purse on the table was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the largest prize offering in women's tennis history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million Sabalenka received for claiming September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an incredible week," said Rybakina.

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

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

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winning shots during a dominant first-set display.

Rybakina saved two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to secure the first set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one defended two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of set points in the following game to tie the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to claim the title.

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

An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her coaching team soon after the match.

"It was not the best performance from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the better player," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful title."