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Elena Rybakina claimed the largest payday in WTA history by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a stunning display to overcome four-times major winner Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players came through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the biggest prize awarded in WTA the sport's history.

This amount tops the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for winning the New York major, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an incredible tournament," commented Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to reach the final was just unbelievable."

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an incredible accomplishment."

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

Rybakina fended off two break points before winning every point 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 favor.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to level the set at 5-5.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with Rybakina taking every point to claim the championship.

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

A distraught the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her coaching team soon after the match.

"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the superior player," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Celebrate this beautiful title."