World number one Aryna Sabalenka, speaking on court after her defeat in the final: "I'm really speechless right now. I want to firstly congratulate Elena [Rybakina] on an incredible run, congratulations to you and your team on such an incredible achievement.

"Thank you to everyone who makes this tournament possible. I love playing here and I love playing in front of you guys, thank you for your incredible support. I always look forward to coming and playing in front of you, let's hope next year is going to be a better year for me. I love you guys.

"Of course, thank you to my team for always being there and for enduring me losing finals, but we do also win some so let's hope for the best. Let's hope that next year's trophy is definitely going to be ours, right?"

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Aryna Sabalenka leaves the court and heads back to the locker room, while Elena Rybakina poses with the trophy for the mass of photographers on Rod Laver Arena.

Here's what Sabalenka had to say earlier...

More from Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina:

"I want to say thank you to my team - without you, it wouldn't be possible. We had a lot of things going on and I'm glad we achieved this result. Hopefully we can keep on going strong this year."

Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina speaking on court after her final win over Aryna Sabalenka:

"It's hard to find the words but I want to congratulate Aryna. She's had amazing results for a couple of years and I hope we're going to play many more finals together.

"I want to say thank you to you [the crowd] for an incredible atmosphere. Your support kept us going. Thank you everyone who made this tournament possible. It really is the 'Happy Slam', I always enjoy coming here and playing in front of you guys."

Image source, Getty Images

After a speech by runner-up Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina is called forward to collect the winner's trophy.

We'll have quotes from both finalists shortly.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport tennis news reporter in Melbourne

Aryna Sabalenka sees another Grand Slam final slip by.

Four major victories are more than almost the entire planet could dream of.

But, after losing a fourth trophy match, she could have notched up so many more.

Sabalenka sticks a towel over her head to cover her emotions while Rybakina jogs over to celebrate with her team.

Image source, Getty Images

Jennifer Capriati, a two-time Australian Open champion in 2001 and 2002, will present the trophies to the two finalists.

The trophy presentation is just about to begin, led by former Grand Slam doubles champion Todd Woodbridge.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport tennis news reporter in Melbourne

Nerves of steel!

The impudence with which Elena Rybakina swatted away the forehand for 30-15 was incredible.

As was ignoring someone starting a Sabalenka chant just as she tossed the ball before sending down an ace on championship point.

Extraordinary mentality. Rybakina answered all the questions.

While Elena Rybakina smiles and celebrates her victory on Rod Laver Arena, Aryna Sabalenka sits in her chair contemplating what has just happened.

Sabalenka has won four major titles but she's had her fair share of Grand Slam heartbreak too and, having led 3-0 in the deciding set, this is another chapter to add to that story.

Image source, Getty Images

Elena Rybakina embraces her beaten opponent Aryna Sabalenka at the net and then heads straight over to her coaching and support team to celebrate her victory.

It's a second major title for the 26-year-old, who won Wimbledon in 2022.

Image source, Getty Images

A big first serve by Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka can't get it back.

Match point and championship point...

Another forehand cracked away for a winner by Elena Rybakina, but back comes Aryna Sabalenka with a backhand return for 30-30.

Image source, Getty Images

Elena Rybakina's forehand breaks down under big pressure from Aryna Sabalenka. 0-15.

But she responds in brilliant fashion with a winner down the line. 15-15.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport tennis news reporter in Melbourne

How's your nerve, Elena?!

Elena Rybakina twice could not serve out victory against Jessica Pegula in the semi-final before coming through a second-set tie-break.

Let's see if she can do so now...

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live

I don't know how to describe Aryna Sabalenka's body language at the moment.

She is flailing her arms around and displaying a bit of defiance or petulance. I don't quite know how to describe it, but she is wound up.

Elena Rybakina has won just the one Grand Slam title in her career to date and that was at Wimbledon in the summer of 2022.

She's four points away from a second major title.

Image source, Getty Images

Aryna Sabalenka holds to 15 and ensures that Elena Rybakina will need to serve it out if she's going to be champion in Melbourne for the first time in her career.

Image source, Getty Images