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Elena Rybakina won the greatest reward in women's tennis all time by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant display to defeat four-times major winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor came through the event undefeated, the prize money on offer was a historic £3.98 million – the largest payout awarded in WTA history.

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

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

"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to win the title was just incredible."

"I want to say congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winners during a dominant opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of chances before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to seal the first set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended another two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of set points in the next game to tie the set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to take home the championship.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up one spot in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her team soon after the final.

"It was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the superior player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

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