Elena Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Claim Record £4 Million Payout

Elena Rybakina won the biggest payday in women's tennis history by beating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a stunning display to overcome four-time Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because each competitor advanced through the event undefeated, the prize money on the table was a record-breaking £3.98m – the biggest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for winning the US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

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

"Truly didn't expect any result so to reach the final was just unbelievable."

"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

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

Rybakina 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.

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of chances in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to win the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will rise one place in the rankings to number five in the world.

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team shortly after the final.

"That was not the best display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

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