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Rybakina won the greatest prize in women's tennis all time by beating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

Rybakina produced a brilliant display to overcome four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because both players came through the competition without a loss, the reward on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the largest prize offering in women's tennis the sport's history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

"This has been an incredible week," commented Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just unbelievable."

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

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

Rybakina saved a couple of break points before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to seal the opening set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favor.

But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of chances in the next game to tie the second set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tie-break performance, with the Kazakh winning every point to win the title.

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

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team soon after the final.

"It was not the finest performance from me today but Elena you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian told the audience.

"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning trophy."