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Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest reward in WTA all time by beating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a stunning performance to overcome four-times Grand Slam winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the biggest payout offering in WTA the sport's history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka received for winning September's US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"This has been an fantastic week," said the Kazakh player.

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just incredible."

"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year running, it's an outstanding achievement."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a dominant first-set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of chances before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to secure the first set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.

However, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of chances in the following game to tie the set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tiebreak performance, with the Kazakh taking every point to take home the title.

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will rise one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team soon after the final.

"It was not the best display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the superior competitor," Sabalenka told the crowd.

"You really overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning title."