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Rybakina secured the largest payday in WTA all time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina produced a stunning performance to overcome four-times Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Since both players advanced through the event without a loss, the prize money on the table was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the largest prize offering in WTA the sport's history.

This amount tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for claiming September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an fantastic tournament," said Rybakina.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to win the title was just unbelievable."

"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an outstanding accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant opening set display.

Rybakina saved two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and held her serve to win the first set.

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

However, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering two chances in the following game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tiebreak play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to claim the title.

The victory, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will move up one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

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

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

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