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

The 26-year-old delivered a stunning display to beat four-times major champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because each competitor came through the event without a loss, the prize money on the table was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the largest prize awarded in WTA history.

The reward tops the £3.74 million the Belarusian earned for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

"This has been an amazing week," commented the Kazakh player.

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

"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 sixteen winning shots during a commanding first-set display.

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

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

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting two chances in the following game to level the second set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to claim the title.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.

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

"It was not the finest display from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning title."