Fifth seed Elena Rybakina tamed Aryna Sabalenka’s firepower to clinch her maiden Australian Open title after coming through a roller-coaster encounter at Melbourne Park. 

Rybakina produced a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 triumph over the world no.1 in a thriller that lasted 2 hours and 18 minutes. 

Following victories over Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula earlier in the draw, Rybakina is the first woman in seven years to beat three top 10 players en route to the trophy. 

In an encounter full of twists and turns, the 27-year-old blasted 28 winners and won 76% of her first service points to underline her status as one of the most in-form players currently on the tour. 

Since Wimbledon last year, Rybakina has won more matches than any other wta player, winning 20 out of her last 21 played.