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Rybakina secured the largest reward in women's tennis all time by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old produced a brilliant display to overcome four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Because each competitor came through the tournament undefeated, the purse on offer was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the highest payout awarded in WTA history.

The reward surpasses the £3.74 million the Belarusian received for claiming the US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

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

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable."

"I want to say praise to Aryna for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible achievement."

The champion, who was the world number six, hit sixteen winners during a commanding first-set display.

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

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favor.

But, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering two chances in the following game to tie the second set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break performance, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to win the championship.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team shortly after the match.

"That was not the best display from me today but Rybakina you were certainly the better competitor," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.

"You really overpowered me on court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful trophy."