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Rybakina secured the greatest reward in WTA history by overcoming world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old produced a brilliant display to defeat four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Since each competitor advanced through the tournament undefeated, the purse on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the biggest prize offering in women's tennis history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming September's New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

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

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

"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible achievement."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a commanding opening set display.

Rybakina fended off two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to win the first set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

But, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of set points in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina taking all seven points to win the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will move up one spot in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

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

"That was not the best performance from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You really smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful title."