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Elena Rybakina won the biggest reward in WTA history by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old produced a brilliant display to defeat four-times Grand Slam winner Sabalenka 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 £3.98 million – the biggest prize offering in women's tennis history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74 million Sabalenka received for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an fantastic week," stated the Kazakh player.

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

"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second consecutive year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winners during a impressive first-set display.

Rybakina fended off two break points before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to secure the first set.

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

But, after fighting back to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of chances in the next game to level the set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match affected her tie-break performance, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to claim the title.

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

A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her team shortly after the match.

"It was not the best performance from me today but Elena you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka told the crowd.

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