By SABC Sport
7th January 2024
The world number four from Kazakhstan charged out of the blocks, dominating the first set 6-0 and continuing the form through the second set 6-3, winning in just over 70 minutes.
Rybakina was clinical on break points, winning five of a possible seven, and limiting the Belarusian to just one break point.
Sabalenka was on a 15-game winning streak in Australia before the loss, spanning back to the start of 2023 in Adelaide and continuing through her Australian Open-winning campaign.
The win was 24-year-old Rybakina's sixth career title.
"Despite the score, it's always tough to play against you," Rybakina said on the court.
"We always push each other and I think that's great. We improve this way, so hopefully we continue."