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Rybakina secured the largest reward in women's tennis all time by beating top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant display to defeat four-time major winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor advanced through the tournament without a loss, the prize money on offer was a historic almost £4 million – the highest payout awarded in WTA the sport's history.

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

"This has been an amazing tournament," said Rybakina.

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

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

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved a couple of chances before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to win 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 favor.

But, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, 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 force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina taking every point to claim the championship.

The victory, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will move up one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her coaching team soon after the match.

"It was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the better player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

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