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Elena Rybakina won the biggest reward in women's tennis history by beating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant performance to defeat four-time major winner Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Because each competitor advanced through the event without a loss, the purse on offer was a historic £3.98m – the largest payout awarded in women's tennis history.

The reward tops the £3.74m Sabalenka won for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in 2025.

"This has been an fantastic tournament," stated Rybakina.

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

"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an tremendous achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winning shots during a impressive first-set performance.

Rybakina saved a couple of break points before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and served out to secure the first set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

But, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting two set points in the next game to tie the second set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tie-break performance, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to win the title.

The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

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

"That was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful title."