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Rybakina claimed the biggest reward in WTA history by beating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant performance to beat four-time Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Because both players advanced through the tournament undefeated, the purse on the table was a historic £3.98m – the biggest payout awarded in WTA the sport's history.

This amount tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka received for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

"This has been an amazing tournament," stated the Kazakh player.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winning shots during a impressive first-set display.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of chances before winning all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to win the opening set.

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

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

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina taking every point to claim the championship.

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

An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her coaching team soon after the match.

"It was not the best display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.

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