Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina in a thrilling women’s singles final at the 2023 Australian Open to secure her first Grand Slam title.

Sabalenka won 4-6 6-3 6-4 on her first appearance in a major final to continue a stunning start to the year that has seen her win 11 consecutive matches without defeat – a run that also took in a title in Adelaide.

In a breathtaking display of power and nerve, Sabalenka fired 51 winners and 17 aces en route to a dramatic two-hour-28 minute triumph, sealing victory on her fourth match point.

“I’m still shaking and super nervous,” said Sabalenka after receiving the Daphne Akhurst trophy from Billie Jean King.

“My team, the craziest team on tour I would say... we’ve been through a lot of ups and downs over the last year. We worked so hard. You guys deserve this trophy, it’s more about you than me.”

Sabalenka returns to No. 2 in the world on Monday - equalling her career-high ranking - while Wimbledon champion Rybakina could celebrate breaking in to the world’s top 10, becoming the first player representing Kazakhstan to achieve the feat.

The Australian Open wasn't just about the professional event - catch up on the storylines - and the emerging stars - from the junior and wheelchair tennis competitions here.