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Elena Rybakina secured the greatest reward in women's tennis history by defeating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

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

Because both players advanced through the event without a loss, the purse on the table was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the largest payout awarded in WTA history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an fantastic tournament," commented the Kazakh player.

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just unbelievable."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant first-set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of chances before winning all four points in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to secure the first set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favor.

However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tiebreak play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to take home the title.

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

A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team shortly after the final.

"That was not the best performance from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the superior competitor," the Belarusian told the crowd.

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