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

Rybakina delivered a brilliant performance to defeat four-times Grand Slam winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Since both players came through the event undefeated, the prize money on the table was a unprecedented £3.98m – the highest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

This amount surpasses the £3.74m the Belarusian received for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an amazing tournament," said Rybakina.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just incredible."

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

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a commanding opening set display.

Rybakina fended off two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to secure the first set.

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

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, 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 level the match impacted her tiebreak play, with Rybakina taking all seven points to win the title.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world rankings.

A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her team soon after the final.

"That was not the finest display from me today but Elena you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."