Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka, result, highlights as the fifth seed claims her maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka has won the Australian Open 2023 trophy, defeating 22nd seed Elena Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4 in two hours and 28 minutes.

The fifth seed was outplayed in the first set and was stunned by the pressure of the Melbourne Park final, reflected by her multiple double faults.

However, Sabalenka started to get on top of her opponent and began converting break point chances.

The crowd was on the edge of their seat for most of the final set, including where the Belarusian has three championship points before capitalising on the fourth.

Rybakina was unable to replicate her success at Wimbledon in 2022 and is the runner up for the opening Grand Slam of the 2023 tennis year.

The Sporting News is providing live score updates, highlights and commentary for the match below.

Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka final score

Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka live blog, updates, highlights

Third set, Sabalenka to serve, Sabalenka 6-4 Rybakina

• 15-0: After an impressive return serve, Rybakina's backhand goes very long.
• 15-15: Sabalenka's forehand catches the net. The crowd on the edge of their seats.
• 15-30: Deep return serve squeezes the Belarusian on the baseline and forces an error.
• 30-30: Wayward shot from the 22nd seed goes well past the baseline.
• 40-30: Ace. Brings up championship point.
• 40-40: Double fault. Not ideal from Sabalenka. Still in the driver's seat.
• Adv Sabalenka: Forehand winner to bring up another championship point. Close call.
• 40-40: Rybakina breathes a sigh of relief. Sabalenka's forehand just misses.
• Adv Rybakina: She's not done with yet. The Kazakh still has one more play in this match, brings up a break point with a superb forehand winner.
• 40-40: Big first serve clears the break chance. All squared up again.
• Adv Sabalenka: Rybakina's forehand catches the net. Third chance for the championship.
• 40-40: Another championship point saved by Rybakina. The fifth seed's backhand just goes long.
• Adv Sabalenka: First serve sets up an easy forehand winner. Fourth championship point.
• Game, set, championship, Sabalenka: On her fourth championship point, the Belarusian has claimed her first Grand Slam.

Third set, Rybakina to serve, Sabalenka 5-4 Rybakina

• 15-0: Excellent placement from a forehand by Rybakina, doing enough to see a mistake.
• 15-15: Sabalenka's defence was impressive, hoping for an error. She got it. Rybakina's forehand goes wide.
• 30-15: The 22nd seed is playing all the right shots but is matched on the defensive side by the Belarusian. However not this time. Shot goes long.
• 40-15: Big first serve brings up game points.
• 40-30: Sabalenka on the front foot this time, dictating where the ball goes. Rybakina finds the net.
• Game, Rybakina: The Kazakh keeps this match alive with a strong hold. Sabalenka to serve for the championship.

Third set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 5-3 Rybakina

• 0-15: Ripping forehand returned from the serve finds the open court.
• 15-15: Big first serve causes an error. Sabalenka really honing in on her first serve. 69 per cent in.
• 30-15: Rybakina goes well past the baseline. 19th unforced error.
• 40-15: The Kazakh just not keeping up with the pace and power of her opponent. Struggling to keep the ball alive.
• 40-30: A bit overzealous from the fifth seed. Forehand goes long and wide.
• 40-40: The Kazakh steps in on the second serve and smashes it down the line. Keeps this game alive.
• Adv Sabalenka: Wide first serve does enough to claim the point.
• 40-40: A brave 175km/h second serve was no match for Rybakina's return.
• Adv Sabalenka: First serve troubles the 22nd seed.
• Game, Sabalenka: Ace to consolidate the break. Sabalenka is one game away from the championship.

Third set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 4-3 Rybakina

• 15-0: Return serve goes long.
• 30-0: An errant slice can't be kept alive by Sabalenka.
• 30-15: Deep return serve forces an error from Rybakina.
• 30-30: The fifth seed putting the ball wherever she wants, putting Rybakina on the defensive. Ends the point with a winner.
• 30-40: A ripping forehand from Sabalenka sets up a break point opportunity. Her 44th winner.
• 40-40: First serve comes up trump once again. The Belarusian finds the net.
• Adv Sabalenka: Rybakina couldn't keep it down, giving another chance to her opponent to break.
• 40-40: The Kazakh's big serve seems to be saving her at the moment. Needs to find other ways to win points.
• Adv Rybakina: However, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Rybakina's big first serve claims another point.
• 40-40: Great tennis from Sabalenka, using her assertiveness to find the open court with her backhand.
• Adv Sabalenka: A soft backhand from the 22nd doesn't make it over the net. A third break point chance.
• Break, Sabalenka: The favourite gets the all-important break.

Third set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 3-3 Rybakina

• 0-15: Forehand goes long from Sabalenka. Couldn't keep up with the pace of the rally.
• 15-15: First serve sets up an easy winner on the open side. Clinical.
• 30-15: Ace. 188km/h down the middle. Sabalenka's 14th of the match.
• 40-15: Back-to-back Aces. 186 km/h out wide.
• Game, Sabalenka: Easy hold for the fifth seed. Seems to be doing more of the attacking.

Third set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 2-3 Rybakina

• 15-0: Excellent forehand from Rybakina catches the baseline for a winner.
• 30-0: The Kazakh just worked her opponent around the court until there was an opening. Forehand winner. Her 24th for the match.
• 30-15: Double fault. Such a disciplined display until then. Her first blemish.
• 30-30: Rybakina is caught off-guard as an attempted reaching shot goes past the baseline.
• 30-40: First break point chance for the set. Sabalenka's backhand has been working but this time it was her forehand. Playing some overall good tennis.
• 40-40: Big first serve squashes the break point. All squared up.
• Adv Rybakina: Sabalenka didn't pick the landing of the serve and thought it was going out. Looked like she played the ball straight into the court.
• 40-40: Errant backhand from the Kazakh goes long.
• Adv Rybakina: First serve sets up easy backhand winner in the open court.
• 40-40: Superb tennis from Sabalenka. Every shot hit its mark with great defence from her opponent. In the end, a huge forehand finishes off the point.
• Adv Rybakina: Not much Sabalenka could do about that. Textbook backhand.
• Game, Rybakina: Impressive hold for the Kazakh. A much needed one.

Third set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 2-2 Rybakina

• 0-15: Big return from Rybakina sets up an easy forehand in the open court.
• 15-15: Deep second serve catches the Kazakh off-guard and causes a shot to go long.
• 30-15: Similar story only this time it was a first serve. Close call though.
• 40-15: Sabalenka's backhand has been the story of the last hour. Impressive winner cross court.
• Game, Sabalenka: Even when she defends the backhand seems to be troubling Rybakina. Great shot.

Third set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 1-2 Rybakina

• 0-15: Big forehand from the receiver forces an error from Rybakina.
• 15-15: Sabalenka couldn't keep the ball alive, with her forehand going past the baseline.
• 30-15: Ace. Textbook from the Kazakh. Her ninth of the evening.
• 30-30: Great return serve forces an error from the 22nd seed.
• 40-30: A Sabalenka return hits the tape and fortuitously sits up for Rybakina to put away with an easy backhand.
• Game, Rybakina: Awesome shot making by both players. Sabalenka unfortunately finds the net and the third set remains on serve.

Third set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 1-1 Rybakina

• 15-0: Ace. 169km/h out wide. Too good. Clinical.
• 30-0: Very cheeky from Sabalenka. Just pulled the backhand into the service box, catching the line on the way through.
• 40-0: Errant forehand goes wide from Rybakina.
• 40-15: Good defence from the Kazakh, preying on a mistake from her opponent. 
• Game, Sabalenka: Great hold from the Belarusian.

Third set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 0-1 Rybakina

• 15-0: Big second serve sets up the point. Sabalenka's reaching attempt fails to make its way over the net.
• 30-0: The fifth seed failed to return the serve.
• 40-0: Pulled that a bit too much, Sabalenka. Backhand goes wide.
• 40-15: Stepped in on the return and hit it close to the baseline. Rybakina didn't make her position quick enough and catches the net.
• 40-30: Sabalenka just clawing her way back into the Kazakh's service games. Rybakina hits the net again.
• Game, Rybakina: Well-placed second serve proves too much for the fifth seed to return.

Second set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 6-3 Rybakina

• 15-0: Huge second serve out wide forces an error. Brave considering how Sabalenka's been serving in the earlier stages of the match.
• 15-15: Great shot from Rybakina, finding the open court with her forehand.
• 30-15: Another big second serve to find a mistake from the Kazakh. Courageous.
• 30-30: Attempted drop-shot isn't effective, making a backhand winner for Rybakina relatively easy.
• 40-30: Ace. Sabalenka brings up set point with a huge 186km/h ace down the middle.
• Game, set, Sabalenka: Second serve ace down the middle. That's the third time she did that during the game. We are going to a deciding set. Sabalenka won the set in 56 minutes.

Second set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 5-3 Rybakina

• 0-15: It was a war of attrition, going back and forth with backhands until a wayward one from Rybakina.
• 15-15: A defensive slice coming from Sabalenka finds the net.
• 15-30: Massive return of serve squeezes the Kazakh on the baseline, resulting in a shot gone long.
• 15-40: Impressive forehand winner sets up two set points. Sabalenka has been the assertive one this set.
• 30-40: Ace. 194km/h saves one set point. Rybakina's eighth of the night.
• 40-40: Backhand winner clears the remaining set point. The 22nd seed not giving in that easy.
• Adv Rybakina: Easily the best rally of the net. Both players on the front foot then the defensive. Rybakina ended the point with a great drop-shot. Awesome.
• 40-40: Players really hitting the ball well out there. The Kazakh unfortunately finds the tape.
• Adv Rybakina: The first serve comes into play again, forcing an error on the receivers end.
• Game, Rybakina: Important hold from the 22nd seed. However, Sabalenka serves for the set.

Second set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 5-2 Rybakina

• 0-15: Wow. Huge return forehand from Rybakina catches the baseline for a winner.
• 15-15: Ace. These players continue to hit their marks on their service games. 10th ace for the Belarusian.
• 30-15: The Kazakh struggled to get that one over the net.
• 40-15: Multiple shots that looked like to be missing but somehow Sabalenka comes away with the point.
• Game, Sabalenka: Strong hold for the fifth seed. Finished it off with a smash.

Second set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 4-2 Rybakina

• 15-0: Ace. Rybakina needs some easy points here to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
• 15-15: Beautiful top-spin backhand lands in the service box and bounces twice before the Kazakh could get to it.
• 15-30: Sabalenka's backhand is causing her opponent trouble. Another winner goes on the board.
• 15-40: A wayward backhand from Rybakina brings up two break point chances.
• 30-40: First serve saves one. Can't do much about that. Rybakina is currently serving at 59 per cent first serve.
• 40-40: Another first serve forces an error. Break points saved.
• Adv Rybakina: Was impressive during that rally, forcing Sabalenka all over the court until a mistake was made.
• 40-40: The Belarusian's deep forehand does enough to claim the point. Just.
• Adv Sabalenka: Impressive backhand down the line for a winner. Another break point chance.
• 40-40: A kickserve on the second go throws off the fifth seed, shot goes past the baseline.
• Adv Rybakina: First serve this time wins the point. Wayward return.
• 40-40: Sabalenka's backhand return goes flying past her opponent.
• Adv Rybakina: Big serve comes up trump again. Hard to return 187km/h down the middle.
• Game, Rybakina: Errant backhand goes well wide. 

Second set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 4-1 Rybakina

• 15-0: Big first serve sets up easy, backhand winner.
• 15-15: Great defence from Rybakina, causes her opponent's backhand slice to hit the net.
• 15-30: The passing shot from the Belarusian just misses after a smart rush to the net from the 22nd seed.
• 30-30: Just couldn't bring it over the net. Rybakina failed when coming up to the net.
• 40-30: First serve sets up another backhand winner, this time down the line.
• 40-40: The ball finds the frame of the server, goes well wide.
• Adv Rybakina: Double fault. Six and counting. Thought she was past this after the first set. Break point chance. 
• 40-40: Huge backhand winner brings on the "come on" to Sabalenka. Break point saved.
• Adv Sabalenka: Playing more confidently is the Belarusian. Coming to the night and being more proactive on the court.
• 40-40: Rybakina strikes back with her own impressive shot making. The fifth seed couldn't keep the ball alive.
• Adv Sabalenka: Big first serve sets up the point which ends in a baseline smash from Sabalenka.
• Game, Sabalenka: Ace to consolidate the break. Big game in the context of this final.

Second set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 3-1 Rybakina

• 0-15: Great ground strokes from Sabalenka, causing a forehand error from her opponent.
• 15-15: Huge forehand down the line from Rybakina claims the point.
• 30-15: Big first serve forces a shot to go long.
• 30-30: Played both sides of the court beautifully Sabalenka, finishes it off with a run-in volley.
• 30-40: Break point chance. Rybakina was stuck on the baseline and couldn't dig it out over the net.
• 40-40: Ace. The Kazakh's sixth ace of the night at the most opportune time.
• Adv Sabalenka: The fifth seed was all over that point and forced an error from her opponent. Another break point opportunity.
• Break, Sabalenka: She gets the break. Rybakina's forehand goes well long. Looking to get on top here Sabalenka.

Second set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 2-1 Rybakina

• 0-15: Forehand catches the net from Sabalenka.
• 15-15: Both players really trying to assert the power over the other. This time, Rybakina finds the net.
• 30-15: The Kazakh does it again. Not adjusting to the wide serve.
• 30-30: A bit too much on that from Sabalenka. Not far off the baseline.
• 40-30: Big first serve was too much for Rybakina. The fifth seed starting to convert more opportunities on her serve.
• 40-40: Forehand goes long from the Belarusian. Her 15th unforced error of the night.
• Adv Sabalenka: Ace. 189km/h up the tee. 
• Game, Sabalenka: Ace again. 175km/h catches the line on the way through. Eighth of the night.

Second set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 1-1 Rybakina

• 15-0: Rybakina somehow gets away with the point but an impressive drop-shot makes its way over the net.
• 15-15: Sabalenka starting to find her range, hitting her 15th winner of the night in the form of a forehand. Catches the line.
• 15-30: The fifth seed starting to put the pressure on her opponent. Great defence that turned into attack. Forced error from Rybakina.
• 30-30: Big serve causes a mistake.
• 40-30: Sabalenka's return catches the net. Needs to make the most of those.
• 40-40: Huge return off the first serve from the Belarusian. Forehand winner.
• Adv Rybakina: Sabalenka just dragged that forehand wide. Rybakina finding it a little hard to close out her service game.
• Game, Rybakina: Big serve forces an error.

Second set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 1-0 Rybakina

• 15-0: Ace. The impressing yet inconsistent serving continues.
• 15-15: Sabalenka's backhand goes long. Just struggling to find her range.
• 15-30: Rybakina however is on, punching a forehand down the line for a winner.
• 15-40: The 22nd seed is manipulating the points a little to easy. Brings up two break point chances following a shot gone long from Sabalenka.
• 30-40: One break point saved. Big serve sets up an easy forehand cross court.
• 40-40: Impressive save. The Belarusian's ball catches the line and causes an errant shot from Rybakina.
• Adv Sabalenka: Huge first serve forces an error.
• Game, Sabalenka: Massive from the fifth seed. Saved two break points and holds on. 

First set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 4-6 Rybakina

• 15-0: Impressive ground strokes from the pair but a slight miss from Sabalenka. Close call but wide.
• 30-0: The fifth seed finds the net off a backhand. Just needs to tighten up on the errors. Becoming crucial.
• 40-0: Top-spin forehand from Rybakina brings up three set points.
• Game, set, Rybakina: Big first serve does enough to claim the first set of the women's final in 34 minutes.

First set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 4-5 Rybakina

• 0-15: Well played by Rybakina, pushed the ball deep in the court and forced a passing shot to go long.
• 0-30: Double fault. Sabalenka's fourth of the match. Went too hard on that one. 174km/h.
• 15-30: As she has done before, the Belarusian backs up the double fault with an excellent serve or shot. This time was a forehand winner.
• 15-40: The 22nd seed held firm and pushed her opponent deep in the court, forcing an errant backhand which finds the net. Two break points.
• 30-40: Brave second serve that received a few "ooos" from the crowd. Rybakina's shot goes long. One break point saved.
• Break, Rybakina: Another double fault brings up the break. Rybakina to serve for the first set.

First set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 4-4 Rybakina

• 0-15: Excellent from Sabalenka. Turned defence into offence and finished with a smash.
• 0-30: Deep return from second serve cramps up Rybakina. Her backhand finds the net.
• 0-40: Three break points. Rybakina's forehand just misses the line and goes wide, bringing up a chance for her opponent.
• 15-40: First serve forces an error.
• Break, Sabalenka: The Kazahk rushed to the net but was beaten by a beautiful passing backhand.

First set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 3-4 Rybakina

• 0-15: Rybakina is playing some awesome tennis, hitting a forehand winner that her opponent couldn't catch.
• 15-15: The Wimbledon champion's forehand goes long. Very long.
• 15-30: Double fault. Sabalenka is feeling the pressure. Her third blemish thus far.
• 30-30: Ace. Backs it up with an 184km/h laser.
• 40-30: Longest rally of the night, with Rybakina coming out the loser. A cross-court backhand doesn't make it over the net.
• Game, Sabalenka: Big second serve sets up a backhand winner.

First set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 2-4 Rybakina

• 15-0: Big first serve forces an error, Sabalenka finds the net.
• 30-0: Ace. Rybakina's service game is really on point.
• 40-0: The 23-year-old is really pushing around Sabalenka, forcing her into difficult returning positions. Backhand goes wide.
• Game, Rybakina: Another Ace. Her fifth of the evening.

First set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 2-3 Rybakina

• 15-0: Rybakina's backhand goes wide.
• 30-0: Strong shots from Sabalenka, forces another mistake.
• 40-0: More big serves, with the Kazakh finding the net.
• 40-15: A bit overzealous from Sabalenka, backhand goes well long.
• Game, Sabalenka: Excellent shot from the server, finds a backhand winner.

First set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 1-3 Rybakina

• 15-0: Big first serve causes an error from the receiver.
• 30-0: Rybakina just getting on top early, showing a bit more poise while her opponent is struggling to keep the ball alive.
• 40-0: Another big serve from the Kazakh.
• 40-15: The 22nd seed finds the net with a forehand.
• Game, Rybakina: Great ground strokes from Rybakina. Consolidates the break.

First set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 1-2 Rybakina

• 15-0: Ace from Sabalenka.
• 30-0: Big first serve causes error from Rybakina.
• 40-0: Ace. Big serve.
• 40-15: Rybakina gets on the board with a backhand winner.
• 40-30: The 22nd seed hits another winner, only a forehand this time.
• 40-40: Error from Sabalenka.
• Adv Rybakina: Double fault. Sabalenka's second of the night. 
• Break, Rybakina: The 22nd seed finds the first break of the evening.

First set, Rybakina serve, Sabalenka 1-1 Rybakina

• 15-0: Sabalenka backhand goes long.
• 15-15: Rybakina fails to keep the forehand in, going past the baseline.
• 30-15: Ace. The 22nd seed matches her opponent. 184km/h up the middle.
• 40-15: Ace. Back-to-back. 175km/h out wide this time. 
• Game, Rybakina: Ace up the tee once more. Five aces in the first two games.

First set, Sabalenka serve, Sabalenka 1-0 Rybakina

• 0-15: Double fault to open the women's final. Pressure already showing.
• 15-15: Ace. 176km/h up the tee. Fair response from Sabalenka.
• 30-15: Smashing forehand winner following another big first serve.
• 40-15: A shot from Rybakina goes wide, warranting a close call.
• Game, Sabalenka: Ace up the tee again. 189km/h this time. Strong hold from the favourite.

7:44pm AEDT: The women's final will begin in one minute.

7:42pm AEDT: Can Rybakina add an Australian Open title to go with her Wimbledon trophy? Or will Sabalenka win her maiden Grand Slam?

7:40pm AEDT: Sabalenka is to serve. Both players are on the court, warming up.

7:38pm AEDT: The players have just entered the court and are about to do the coin toss.

Pre-match: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of the Australian Open final match between Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka from Rod Laver Arena.

Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka head-to-head results

The pair have met on three occasions, with Sabalenka claiming victory every time.

MORE: Australian Open schedule 2023: Full draws, TV coverage, channels & how to watch every tennis match

What time is Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka?

How to watch Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the Australian Open

Australia: The Nine Network is the free-to-air broadcaster of the Australian Open 2023.

The Australian Open can also be watched on SmartTV's 9Now and Stan Sport as well as 9Gem.

Fans can also stream the Australian Open through 9Now and Stan Sport.

UK: Coverage of the Australian Open 2023 will be broadcast in the UK live and exclusively on Eurosport.

Eurosport 1 and 2 will provide daily coverage of the action in Melbourne.

UK fans can also stream the Australian Open through the discovery+ app, the Eurosport app, or through eurosport.co.uk

USA: Tennis fans based in the United States will be able to watch this year's Australian Open via ESPN. Matches will be broadcast on both ESPN and ESPN2.

ESPN+ and fuboTV will both offer live streaming during the 2023 Australian Open. FuboTV offers a free trial.

Canada: The 2023 Australian Open will be broadcast in Canada by TSN.

Matches will be shown on either TSN1 or TSN5.

Canadian fans are able to live stream the action from Melbourne Park on TSN+.

The full TSN+ broadcast schedule can be accessed here.