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Elena Rybakina secured the largest prize in women's tennis history by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

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

Since each competitor came through the event without a loss, the purse on the table was a record-breaking £3.98m – the largest prize offering in WTA history.

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

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

"I honestly didn't expect any result so to win the title was just incredible."

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

The champion, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winning shots during a dominant opening set display.

Rybakina fended off a couple of chances before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and served out to secure the first set.

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

However, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of set points in the next game to level the set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning every point to take home the title.

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

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team shortly after the match.

"It was not the finest display from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the better player," the Belarusian told the crowd.

"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning trophy."