Rybakina Defeats Sabalenka to Secure Record £4 Million Reward

Rybakina claimed the biggest payday in women's tennis all time by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a impressive display to overcome four-times major winner Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Since both players came through the tournament undefeated, the purse on the table was a historic £3.98 million – the biggest payout awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

The prize money tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka won for winning the US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an incredible week," said the Kazakh player.

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to win the title was just remarkable."

"I want to say praise 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 winning shots during a impressive opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two chances before taking every point in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to secure the first set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the next game to tie the second set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break performance, with Rybakina winning all seven points to win the championship.

The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better player," the Belarusian told the audience.

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