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Elena Rybakina won the greatest prize in women's tennis all time by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant display to beat four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Since both players advanced through the tournament undefeated, the reward on the table was a unprecedented £3.98m – the largest prize offering in women's tennis history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka won for claiming September's US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an incredible week," said Rybakina.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an tremendous achievement."

The champion, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a dominant first-set display.

Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting two set points in the following game to level the second set at five-all.

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

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

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final.

"It was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the better player," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

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