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Rybakina claimed the largest payday in WTA all time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant display to beat four-times major champion her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Because each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the reward on offer was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the highest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

This amount surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka received for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in 2025.

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

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to reach the final was just incredible."

"I want to say praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

The champion, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winning shots during a commanding first-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 seal the first set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one saved another two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting two set points in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina winning all seven points to take home the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

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

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

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."