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Elena Rybakina secured the biggest reward in WTA all time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant performance to overcome four-times major champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the reward on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the highest payout offering in women's tennis the sport's history.

The prize money tops the £3.74 million the Belarusian earned for claiming September's US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

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

"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable."

"I want to say praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year running, it's an tremendous achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a dominant opening set display.

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

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favor.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two chances in the following game to level the second set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning every point to claim the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her team shortly after the final.

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

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."