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Elena Rybakina secured the biggest prize in women's tennis all time by beating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the WTA Finals.

The 26-year-old produced a brilliant display to defeat four-times major winner her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players came through the tournament without a loss, the prize money on offer was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the largest payout awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

The prize money tops the £3.74m Sabalenka received for claiming September's US Open, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

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

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to win the title was just unbelievable."

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

The champion, who was the world number six, delivered sixteen winning shots during a commanding opening set display.

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

As the second set progressed, the world number one defended another two break points at four-all to shift the balance in her favour.

But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of chances in the following game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking every point to take home the championship.

This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will rise 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 best display from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the superior player," the Belarusian told the audience.

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