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

The 26-year-old produced a stunning display to overcome four-times major champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players came through the event undefeated, the reward on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the largest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka won for winning the New York major, which was the highest-paying 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 incredible."

"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

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

Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to seal the first set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting two chances in the next game to tie the set at five-all.

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

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

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her coaching team shortly after the match.

"That was not the finest performance from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the superior competitor," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning trophy."