Elena Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Win Historic £4m Prize

Elena Rybakina secured the biggest payday in women's tennis all time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

Rybakina produced a impressive display to overcome four-time major winner her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a historic almost £4 million – the biggest prize offering in women's tennis the sport's history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74m Sabalenka received for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.

"This has been an fantastic week," said the Kazakh player.

"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to reach the final was just incredible."

"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

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

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of break points before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to seal the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

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

Her inability to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to take home the title.

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

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

"It was not the finest display from me today but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

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