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Elena Rybakina won the largest prize in WTA history by defeating top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

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

Because each competitor advanced through the tournament without a loss, the reward on the table was a historic £3.98m – the largest prize awarded in women's tennis history.

The reward tops the £3.74m Sabalenka won for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an amazing week," said the Kazakh player.

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

"Let me offer praise to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an outstanding achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a dominant first-set display.

Rybakina saved two break points before winning every point in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

But, having worked so hard to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh winning every point to claim the championship.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means she will move up one place in the rankings to number five in the world.

A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she sat with her team shortly after the match.

"That was not the best display from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the better player," the Belarusian addressed the audience.

"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning title."