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Rybakina secured the biggest payday in women's tennis history by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

Rybakina delivered a impressive display to overcome four-time major champion Sabalenka in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Because both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the prize money on the table was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the largest prize offering in WTA the sport's history.

The reward exceeds the £3.74m the Belarusian earned for claiming the New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an incredible tournament," stated Rybakina.

"Truly couldn't have predicted any result so to reach the final was just remarkable."

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

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit 16 winning shots during a dominant first-set display.

Rybakina fended off two chances before taking all four points in the sixth game to go a break up and served out to win the first set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka defended another two opportunities at four-all to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, after fighting back to upset her opponent's flow, Sabalenka let her opponent off the hook by wasting a pair of set points in the next game to tie the set at 5-5.

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

This win, Rybakina's sixth over Sabalenka, means Rybakina will move up one place in the WTA rankings to number five in the world rankings.

A distraught Sabalenka was seen crying as she sat with her coaching team soon after the final.

"It was not the best display from me in this match but Rybakina you were definitely the superior competitor," Sabalenka addressed the crowd.

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