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Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest reward in WTA all time by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old produced a impressive display to defeat four-times Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because both players came through the event undefeated, the purse on the table was a historic £3.98 million – the largest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for claiming September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"It's been an fantastic week," said Rybakina.

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to go so far was just unbelievable."

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

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winners during a impressive opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of break points before taking 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 two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the next game to level the set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tie-break play, with Rybakina taking all seven points to claim the championship.

The victory, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one spot in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her team soon after the final.

"That was not the best performance from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

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