🔗 Share this article

Elena Rybakina won the largest payday in WTA history by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

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

Because each competitor advanced through the tournament undefeated, the purse on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the largest prize awarded in women's tennis the sport's history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for winning September's US Open, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

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

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

"Let me offer praise to Aryna for being number one for a second year in a row, it's an incredible achievement."

Rybakina, who was the world number six, delivered 16 winners during a commanding first-set display.

Rybakina saved two break points before winning all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to seal the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to upset Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by squandering a pair of chances in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.

Her inability to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina winning all seven points to take home the championship.

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

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

"It was not the best performance from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the superior competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

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