🔗 Share this article Rybakina Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Historic £4 Million Reward Rybakina secured her 45th hard court victory of the year Rybakina claimed the greatest prize in women's tennis history by beating top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament. The 26-year-old delivered a impressive display to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia. Since both players advanced through the event undefeated, the reward on offer was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the highest prize offering in women's tennis history. The prize money exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year. "It's been an fantastic week," said Rybakina. "I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just unbelievable." "I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year running, it's an incredible achievement." The champion, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winning shots during a impressive first-set performance. Rybakina fended off two chances before taking all four points in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve to secure the opening set. As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour. However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting two chances in the following game to tie the second set at five-all. Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina taking every point to take home the title. The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world. An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final. "That was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd. "You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful title."