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Elena Rybakina claimed the largest payday in women's tennis history by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a impressive performance to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

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

This amount surpasses the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for winning September's US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

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

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just unbelievable."

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

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winning shots during a commanding opening set display.

Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to seal the opening set.

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

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of set points in the next game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh taking every point to win the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

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

"It was not the finest display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning trophy."