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Rybakina claimed the biggest reward in WTA all time by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

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

Because each competitor came through the tournament without a loss, the purse on the table was a historic £3.98 million – the largest payout offering in women's tennis history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian received for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

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

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

"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible accomplishment."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a dominant opening set performance.

Rybakina fended off two chances before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to seal the first set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting two chances in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to take home the title.

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

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

"That was not the finest performance from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the better player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

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