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Rybakina claimed the biggest prize in women's tennis history by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant display to overcome four-times major champion her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Since each competitor came through the competition without a loss, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the largest prize offering in WTA history.

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

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

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

"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

The champion, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winning shots during a impressive opening set performance.

Rybakina saved a couple of break points before winning all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to seal the opening set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended another two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

But, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina taking all seven points to claim the title.

The victory, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will rise one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her coaching team shortly after the match.

"That was not the finest performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

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