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Elena Rybakina claimed the biggest reward in WTA all time by beating world number one Sabalenka in two sets at the tournament.

The 26-year-old delivered a brilliant performance to defeat four-times Grand Slam champion her opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in the host country.

Since both players advanced through the event undefeated, the purse on the table was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the largest payout awarded in WTA history.

The prize money surpasses the £3.74m Sabalenka earned for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"This has been an amazing week," 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 tremendous accomplishment."

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

Rybakina saved two chances before winning all four points 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 defended two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

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

Her inability to force a decider impacted her tie-break play, with the Kazakh taking all seven points to take home the championship.

The victory, her sixth triumph over Sabalenka, means she will move up one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

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

"That was not the finest performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the better player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.

"You really overpowered me on court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Enjoy this stunning title."