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Elena Rybakina secured the biggest reward in women's tennis all time by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a stunning performance to beat four-times Grand Slam winner her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the reward on the table was a historic almost £4 million – the highest prize offering in women's tennis history.

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

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

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable."

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

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winning shots during a commanding 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 secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, the world number one saved another two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering two chances in the next game to level the set at five-all.

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

The victory, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

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

"It was not the best display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," the Belarusian addressed the audience.

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