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Rybakina secured the largest prize in WTA all time by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant display to overcome four-time major champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Since each competitor advanced through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a historic almost £4 million – the largest prize offering in WTA history.

The reward tops the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning September's US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic tournament," stated the Kazakh player.

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

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an incredible accomplishment."

The champion, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winning shots during a dominant opening set performance.

Rybakina fended off two chances before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to win the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favor.

However, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the following game to level the second set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to win the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will move up one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

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

"That was not the best display from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian told the audience.

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