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Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest prize in WTA all time by defeating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant performance to overcome four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Since both players came through the tournament undefeated, the purse on offer was a historic almost £4 million – the largest prize offering in women's tennis history.

The reward tops the £3.74 million the Belarusian earned for winning the US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

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

"I honestly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just incredible."

"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka 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 16 winning shots during a dominant opening set performance.

Rybakina fended off two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and held her serve to win the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended another two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, having worked so hard to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting two chances in the following game to level the set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to win the championship.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise one place in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her team soon after the final.

"It was not the finest performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

"You literally overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful trophy."