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Rybakina claimed the largest payday in WTA all time by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a stunning performance to beat four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Since both players advanced through the competition without a loss, the prize money on the table was a historic £3.98m – the highest payout offering in women's tennis history.

The reward tops the £3.74m Sabalenka won for winning the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an amazing tournament," stated the Kazakh player.

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to win the title was just incredible."

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

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered sixteen winning shots during a dominant first-set performance.

Rybakina fended off two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to seal the opening set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one defended two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering two set points in the following game to tie the set at five-all.

Her inability to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to claim the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team soon after the match.

"It was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better player," the Belarusian told the audience.

"You literally smashed me on court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful title."