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Rybakina won the largest prize in WTA all time by beating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a stunning performance to beat four-times major winner Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Because both players advanced through the event undefeated, the purse on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the biggest payout awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

This amount tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an fantastic week," commented Rybakina.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to go so far was just incredible."

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka 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, hit sixteen winning shots during a dominant first-set performance.

Rybakina saved two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to take the break and served out to secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

But, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of set points in the following game to level the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break performance, with Rybakina winning every point to win the championship.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Elena you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka told the audience.

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