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Elena Rybakina secured the largest reward in women's tennis all time by overcoming world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

Rybakina delivered a stunning performance to defeat four-time major champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because both players advanced through the event without a loss, the reward on offer was a historic almost £4 million – the biggest payout offering in WTA the sport's history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.

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

"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just incredible."

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

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a commanding first-set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off two chances before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to seal the first set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to take home the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will move up one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world.

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team soon after the final.

"It was not the best display from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the better player," Sabalenka told the crowd.

"You really overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning title."