Playing in her first final at Melbourne Park, the young 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 Sabalenka, who won her first ever major 4-6 6-3 6-4 in a high-quality clash on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night.

Rybakina felt she didn't make the most of her opportunities.

"I would say that not many girls can put me really under the pressure but against her, it's not easy because she has a great serve and she plays really aggressive," the 23-year-old said of Sabalenka.

"I know that I have to serve well. It's also pressure in the end and as soon as I have the opportunity, take it.

"Today I had some opportunities I didn't take and the match didn't go my way.

"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 190kph, 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.

While disappointed, Rybakina felt it was strong standard from both finalists.

"I think quality of the match was good - it was very powerful game from both of us," Rybakina said.

"There's not many powerful players on tour, maybe this kind of pushes the other players to be more aggressive."

As a consolation, Rybakina 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.

"I don't think I'm going to feel different just because of the ranking now. But for sure it's going to be different on the smaller tournaments as I'm going to be seeded.

"Maybe in some tournaments I'm not going to play first round so of course there is some benefits out of this.

"Not the result I wanted today, but I think overall it was a really good two weeks for me."

Australian Associated Press