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Elena Rybakina won the greatest prize in WTA history by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina produced a stunning display to defeat four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Since each competitor advanced through the competition undefeated, the prize money on offer was a historic £3.98m – the highest prize awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for winning September's US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"This has been an incredible week," stated the Kazakh player.

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable."

"I want to say praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year running, it's an outstanding accomplishment."

The champion, who was the world number six, hit 16 winning shots during a impressive first-set display.

Rybakina saved a couple of break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to take the break and served out to seal the opening set.

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

But, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting two chances 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.

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

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

"That was not the best performance from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the better player," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."