Elena Rybakina refused to be in a photo with WTA Tour chief executive Portia Archer after defeating Aryna Sabalenka to win the WTA Finals and a record prize of nearly (AUD) $8 million.

Rybakina produced a nearly flawless performance to defeat the world No.1 6-3, 7-6(0).

But during the trophy ceremony, she refused to join Sabalenka and Archer during an official photo opportunity.

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Rybakina, 26, remained to one side, even as an official motioned for her to stand next to Archer in the shot.

She then motioned for Sabalenka and Porter to take the photo without her.

The WTA banned Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov earlier this year following a probe into allegations of “abusive behaviour” towards the former Wimbledon winner.

Rybakina expressed disappointment over the decision and said ahead of the Australian Open in January that Vukov had “never mistreated me”.

The world No.6 declined to comment when asked about not joining Archer for the photo.

However, when she was asked about the case involving Vukov and whether she had held discussions with the WTA Tour about their investigation into Vukov, she said:

“Well, I think we’re all doing our job, and we had the opportunity to have conversations, but in the end, they never happened. So we’re all doing our job, and I think we’re going to keep it this way.”

Kazakh star Rybakina struck eight aces and converted the sole break of the match on the indoor hardcourt in Riyadh.

It was a second loss in the final of the season-ending tournament for Sabalenka after the four-time grand slam winner lost to Caroline Garcia in the 2022 title match.

Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, was playing her first title match in her third consecutive WTA Finals appearance.

Rybakina (far right) declines the offer to enter the photo. WTA

She collected $US5.23 million (just under $8m) after going 5-0 at the event featuring the top eight women. The WTA said that was the largest payout in the history of women’s sports.

It was also her tour-best 45th hardcourt win of the season. The 26-year-old Kazakhstani became the 10th straight first-time winner of the WTA Finals. She will finish the year at a career-high No.5 in the rankings after a 58–19 record that included three titles.

Sabalenka will finish ranked No.1 for a second straight season. This year, she won four titles, including the US Open, and had 63 match wins. She also reached major finals at Roland-Garros and the Australian Open.

– with AP