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Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest prize in women's tennis history by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a stunning performance to overcome four-times major winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Because each competitor came through the event without a loss, the purse on the table was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the highest prize awarded in WTA history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian earned for claiming the US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

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

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

"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an tremendous accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winning shots during a dominant opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two break points before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and held her serve 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.

But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting two set points in the following game to level the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to win the championship.

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

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

"That was not the best performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the superior competitor," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You really overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Enjoy this stunning trophy."