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Elena Rybakina secured the greatest reward in WTA history by defeating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant display to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Because each competitor advanced through the competition without a loss, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the highest payout awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian received for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an incredible week," said the Kazakh player.

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

"I want to say praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winners during a dominant first-set display.

Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to seal the first set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.

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

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning every point to win the championship.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

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

"That was not the finest performance from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful title."