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Rybakina won the largest reward in WTA all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant performance to defeat four-time major winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Because each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the reward on the table was a historic £3.98m – the largest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

The prize money tops the £3.74m Sabalenka won for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an fantastic tournament," said Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to win the title was just remarkable."

"I want to say praise to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winning shots during a impressive first-set performance.

Rybakina saved two break points 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, the world number one defended two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of set points in the next game to level the set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina winning all seven points to win the title.

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

A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the superior competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning title."