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Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest payday in WTA history by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a brilliant performance to beat four-times major champion Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in Saudi Arabia.

Because each competitor came through the event without a loss, the reward on the table was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the largest prize awarded in WTA the sport's history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74 million Sabalenka earned for claiming the US Open, which was the most lucrative major tournament in the current year.

"This has been an incredible tournament," commented the Kazakh player.

"I honestly didn't expect this outcome so to win the title was just remarkable."

"I want to say praise to Sabalenka for being number one for a second consecutive year in a row, it's an incredible accomplishment."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winning shots during a commanding opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two chances before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and served out to win the first set.

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

But, after fighting back to upset Rybakina's rhythm, the top seed failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to tie the second set at five-all.

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tiebreak performance, with Rybakina winning every point to win the championship.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one spot in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team shortly after the match.

"That was not the finest display from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the superior player," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

"You literally smashed me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you at your peak. Celebrate this stunning title."