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Rybakina claimed the greatest prize in women's tennis all time by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in two sets at the championship.

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

Since both players advanced through the tournament without a loss, the reward on offer was a record-breaking £3.98m – the highest payout offering in women's tennis history.

This amount exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian won for claiming the US Open, which was the highest-paying major tournament in the current year.

"This has been an incredible week," said Rybakina.

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

"Let me offer congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year running, it's an tremendous achievement."

The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winners during a commanding opening set performance.

Rybakina fended off two chances before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and held her serve to win the first set.

With the second set on serve, the world number one saved another two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.

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

Her inability to level the match affected her tiebreak play, with Rybakina winning every point to take home the championship.

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

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

"That was not the best performance from me today but Rybakina you were definitely the better player," Sabalenka told the audience.

"You literally overpowered me out of the court. I'm pleased to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful title."