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In a rematch of the 2023 Australian Open title clash won by Sabalenka, it was Rybakina who made early inroads with a barrage of powerful winners to shrug off concerns over a sore shoulder and break for a 4-2 lead in the opening set.

The ice-cool world No.6 rallied from 15-40 down in the seventh game to tighten her hold and secure the set with more bold ball striking from both flanks, leaving 2022 finalist Sabalenka with a mountain to climb.

Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, ramped up the pressure in the second set as she lost only two points in four service games.

She then showed her battling qualities for a clutch hold in the 10th game when Sabalenka crashed a forehand into the net.

Rybakina cranked up her massive serve two games later and forced a tiebreak, where the Kazakh grabbed the early lead and never looked back to secure the title.

"It's been an incredible week, I honestly didn't expect any result and to go so far, I mean, it's just incredible," Rybakina said after collecting the Billie Jean King trophy, her third WTA Tour title of the season.

"Congratulations Aryna for being number one (at the year-end) for the second season in a row, an amazing achievement.

"Today was such a tough battle, some moments I didn't like here but it's tennis and I hope we're going to play many more finals in big tournaments together."

Sabalenka acknowledged she hadn't played her best, but praised Rybakina's power.

"You literally smashed me out of the court, so very well done," she said.

"I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. It was a nice comeback at the end of this season.

Sabalenka had to fight off tears as she thanked her own team.

"Not the result we all wanted today ... I guess I'm getting old, I'm getting sensitive. So many things to be proud of," she concluded.