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Rybakina secured the largest payday in women's tennis history by beating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant performance to defeat four-time major winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor advanced through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a historic almost £4 million – the biggest payout awarded in WTA history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian earned for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an amazing week," stated Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to win the title was just incredible."

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

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winning shots during a commanding first-set performance.

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

With the second set on serve, the world number one defended two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting two chances in the following game to level the second set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break performance, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to take home the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one place in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team shortly after the final.

"It was not the finest display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian addressed the audience.

"You really overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning title."