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Rybakina won the largest prize in WTA history by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

Rybakina delivered a impressive performance to overcome four-time major champion her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Since each competitor advanced through the event undefeated, the prize money on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the biggest prize offering in WTA the sport's history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an amazing week," stated the Kazakh player.

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an outstanding accomplishment."

The champion, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winning shots during a commanding opening set display.

Rybakina fended off two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to take the break and served out to seal the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.

However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of set points in the following game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to claim the championship.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one place in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her team soon after the final.

"It was not the best display from me today but Elena you were definitely the superior competitor," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning title."