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Rybakina secured the largest reward in WTA all time by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant display to defeat four-times major winner Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Since each competitor came through the tournament without a loss, the reward on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the biggest prize offering in women's tennis history.

The reward tops the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

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

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

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winning shots during a commanding opening set performance.

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

As the second set progressed, the world number one saved two opportunities at four-all to shift the balance in her favor.

But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two chances in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh winning every point to win the title.

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

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team soon after the final.

"It was not the best display from me today but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning trophy."