🔗 Share this article

Rybakina secured the largest reward in WTA history by beating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

Rybakina delivered a impressive display to overcome four-times major champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because each competitor advanced through the competition without a loss, the prize money on the table was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the biggest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an incredible tournament," commented Rybakina.

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to win the title was just unbelievable."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a commanding opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of break points before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to seal the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of set points in the following game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match impacted her tie-break performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to take home the championship.

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

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest display from me today but Elena you were definitely the better player," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful trophy."