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Rybakina won the greatest reward in WTA history by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.

The 26-year-old produced a brilliant performance to beat four-time major winner Sabalenka in two sets in the host country.

Because each competitor advanced through the competition undefeated, the reward on the table was a unprecedented almost £4 million – the highest prize offering in WTA history.

The reward tops the £3.74 million Sabalenka won for winning September's New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in the current year.

"It's been an amazing tournament," commented Rybakina.

"Truly didn't expect this outcome so to win the title was just unbelievable."

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

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, hit sixteen winners during a dominant opening set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of break points before taking every point in the sixth game of the set to go a break up and served out to seal the first set.

With the second set on serve, Sabalenka saved another two break points at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

But, after fighting back to disrupt her opponent's flow, the top seed failed to capitalize by wasting two set points in the next game to tie the second set at 5-5.

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

The victory, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means she will move up one spot in the rankings to number five in the world rankings.

An emotional Sabalenka was seen crying as she met with her team soon after the final.

"It was not the finest performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the superior player," Sabalenka addressed the audience.

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