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Rybakina won the largest payday in WTA all time by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a impressive display to defeat four-time Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since both players came through the event undefeated, the reward on offer was a unprecedented £3.98m – the biggest prize offering in WTA history.

This amount surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka received for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

"This has been an incredible week," stated the Kazakh player.

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

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

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit 16 winners during a commanding first-set performance.

Rybakina fended off two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and served out to secure the first set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting two set points in the next game to level the second set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning every point to claim the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her team shortly after the match.

"That was not the best performance from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful title."