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Elena Rybakina claimed the largest reward in women's tennis all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant display to beat four-time major winner Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Because each competitor advanced through the event undefeated, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the highest payout offering in WTA history.

This amount tops the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an fantastic week," commented Rybakina.

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

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a dominant opening set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two chances before winning all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and held her serve to secure the first set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of set points in the following game to tie the second set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to claim the title.

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

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

"That was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

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