Rybakina secured her 45th hard court win of the year
Elena Rybakina won the largest reward in women's tennis all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.
The 26-year-old produced a stunning display to overcome four-times Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.
Since each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on the table was a unprecedented £3.98m – the largest payout offering in WTA history.
This amount exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for winning the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.
"It's been an incredible tournament," said the Kazakh player.
"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just remarkable."
"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."
The champion, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a impressive first-set performance.
Rybakina saved two break points before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to seal the opening set.
As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.
But, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting two set points in the following game to level the second set at 5-5.
Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina taking all seven points to take home the championship.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means Rybakina will move up one spot in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.
An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her team shortly after the match.
"It was not the best display from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the superior competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.
"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning title."
