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Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest reward in WTA all time by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a stunning display to beat four-times Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

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

This amount surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka won for winning September's New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an fantastic week," said Rybakina.

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to go so far was just unbelievable."

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winners during a commanding opening set performance.

Rybakina saved 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 opening set.

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

But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by squandering two set points in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

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

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

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

"It was not the best display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You really overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."