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Rybakina won the biggest payday in WTA all time by defeating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

Rybakina delivered a stunning display to beat four-time Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players came through the tournament undefeated, the purse on the table was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the biggest payout awarded in WTA history.

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

"This has been an fantastic week," stated the Kazakh player.

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable."

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."

The champion, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winning shots during a dominant first-set display.

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

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.

But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two chances in the following game to level the second set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to claim the title.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team shortly after the final.

"It was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior competitor," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.

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