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Rybakina secured the greatest payday in women's tennis all time by beating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

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

Since both players came through the competition without a loss, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the highest prize awarded in WTA history.

This amount surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian won for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an incredible tournament," stated Rybakina.

"I honestly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just remarkable."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible achievement."

The champion, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a commanding opening set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of chances before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and held her serve to seal the first set.

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

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of set points in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to win the championship.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means Rybakina will move up one spot in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team soon after the match.

"That was not the finest performance from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the superior competitor," the Belarusian told the audience.

"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning trophy."