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Elena Rybakina secured the greatest prize in WTA history by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a stunning performance to beat four-time Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Because both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the purse on offer was a record-breaking almost £4 million – the highest prize offering in WTA history.

The reward surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

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

"I honestly didn't expect any result so to reach the final was just remarkable."

"Let me offer congratulations to Aryna for being number one for a second year running, it's an outstanding achievement."

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

Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before winning every point in the sixth game to take the break and served out to secure the opening 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, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting two chances in the following game to tie the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina taking every point to claim the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one spot in the WTA rankings to number five in the world.

An emotional the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team soon after the match.

"That was not the finest display from me today but Elena you were certainly the better player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

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