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Rybakina claimed the greatest prize in WTA all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old delivered a stunning display to defeat four-time Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the purse on the table was a record-breaking £3.98m – the largest payout awarded in WTA the sport's history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

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

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to win the title was just incredible."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winning shots during a commanding opening set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of break points before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to seal the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended another two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favor.

But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting two chances in the next game to level the second set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tiebreak play, with Rybakina winning every point to win the championship.

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

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

"It was not the best display from me today but Elena you were certainly the better competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.

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