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Elena Rybakina secured the greatest prize in women's tennis all time by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

Rybakina produced a brilliant display to defeat four-times major champion her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Because each competitor came through the event undefeated, the reward on the table was a historic almost £4 million – the biggest prize awarded in WTA the sport's history.

The prize money exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an fantastic tournament," commented the Kazakh player.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to reach the final was just unbelievable."

"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an tremendous achievement."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winning shots during a impressive first-set performance.

Rybakina saved two chances before winning every point in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to win the opening set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved two break points at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, having worked so hard to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of chances in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to win the title.

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

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

"That was not the best display from me in this match but Elena you were definitely the better competitor," the Belarusian addressed the audience.

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