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Rybakina claimed the greatest prize in women's tennis all time by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the tournament.

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

Since each competitor advanced through the competition undefeated, the purse on offer was a historic £3.98m – the largest payout awarded in women's tennis history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian won for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

"This has been an fantastic tournament," stated Rybakina.

"Truly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just unbelievable."

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

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

Rybakina fended off two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to take the break and served out to win the first set.

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

But, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, the top seed let her opponent off the hook by wasting two set points in the next game to level the set at five-all.

Sabalenka's failure to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina taking every point to win the title.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means Rybakina will move up one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.

A distraught the runner-up appeared to be in tears as she met with her coaching team shortly after the match.

"It was not the best display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the better player," the Belarusian told the audience.

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