Follow live: Sabalenka, Rybakina set to clash in blockbuster Australian Open final

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka has blown a 3-0 final-set lead as fifth-seed Elena Rybakina claimed her maiden Australian Open title in stunning fashion.

In a final showcasing the intensity and physical prowess of both players, Rybakina won the opening set 6-4 thanks to a break in the first game of the match, but Sabalenka kept lifting the longer it went. From 4-4 in the second set, the world No. 1 had won five consecutive games to hold a significant lead in the decider, and it seemed like the contest would follow the same script as the 2023 final when Sabalenka came from a set down to claim her first Slam.

But the twists and turns kept coming, Rybakina was clutch under pressure, and the 26-year-old added to her strong recent form with a second major.

Catch up below on how the women's Australian Open final unfolded.