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Rybakina claimed the largest payday in WTA all time by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

Rybakina produced a brilliant display to beat four-time Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in the host country.

Since each competitor advanced through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on the table was a historic £3.98 million – the highest payout offering in WTA history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka received for winning September's US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

"It's been an incredible week," stated Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect any result so to go so far was just remarkable."

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year running, it's an outstanding achievement."

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

Rybakina fended off a couple of break points before taking every point in the sixth game to take the break and served out to seal the opening set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved another two break points at 4-4 to shift the balance in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by squandering a pair of set points in the following game to tie the set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match 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 she will rise one spot in the rankings to fifth in the world.

An emotional Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team shortly after the final.

"That was not the finest display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this stunning title."