Elena Rybakina has fallen short in her quest to emulate Ash Barty and add an Australian Open title to her collection seven months after winning Wimbledon.
Playing in her first final at Melbourne Park, the 23-year-old Kazakh was looking to follow the path of Barty, who won the 2021 grass court major and backed up with her 2022 home slam before announcing her shock retirement.
But she was stopped by Russian powerhouse Aryna Sabalenaka, who won her first ever major 4-6 6-3 6-4 in a high-quality clash on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night.
"Congratulations to Aryna for the title and great start to the season," Rybakina said of Sabalenka, who has only dropped one set in her past 11 matches.
"I know how hard you've worked for it.
"Hopefully we're going to have many more battles."
Rybakina got off to a flying start to lead 3-1 before serving out the first set while Sabalenka's service game was shaky, producing five double faults.
But the Belarusian found her groove in the second set, blasting 21 winners while she did damage with her oft-shaky serve, only giving up one double fault.
The players went toe to toe in the deciding set with break-point pressure finally cracking Rybakina, who dropped her serve to trail 3-4.
World No.5 Sabalenka consolidated, piling more pressure on Rybakina, who claimed the scalp of five seeds including top-ranked Iga Swiatek en route to the final.
With nine aces for the match and a top speed of 190km per hour, Rybakina held her nerve for a 4-5 scoreline, making Sabalenka serve for the title.
Rybakina saved three championship points but sent her forehand long to hand her 24-year-old rival her first grand slam title.
As a consolation, she will become the first player representing Kazakhstan to reach the top 10, which is well overdue after not picking up any ranking points for her Wimbledon triumph.
