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Elena Rybakina secured the biggest prize in women's tennis history by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant performance to overcome four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Because both players came through the competition without a loss, the purse on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the highest prize offering in women's tennis history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka received for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

"This has been an amazing tournament," said the Kazakh player.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to go so far was just incredible."

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an tremendous achievement."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winners during a dominant first-set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of break points before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to win the first set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting two chances in the next game to tie the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina taking every point to win the title.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world.

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

"That was not the finest display from me today but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning title."