Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Win Historic £4 Million Payout

Rybakina secured the greatest prize in women's tennis history by beating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old produced a impressive performance to beat four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the reward on the table was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the highest prize offering in women's tennis the sport's history.

The prize money tops the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

"This has been an amazing tournament," commented Rybakina.

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to go so far was just unbelievable."

"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an incredible achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a commanding first-set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of chances before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to win the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favor.

However, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of chances in the next game to level the set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina taking every point to win the title.

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

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team soon after the match.

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior player," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."