On her 46th main-draw appearance, Madison Keys is finally a grand slam champion following her stunning triumph at the Australian Open.

Madison Keys says landing her maiden grand slam title "means the absolute world", after stunning Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final.

The 29-year-old ended her major duck with a 6-3 2-6 7-5 victory over the world number one and two-time defending champion on Rod Laver Arena.

Keys, who was runner-up to Sloane Stephens at the 2017 US Open, became the oldest American (male or female) to win their first major singles title in the Open Era.

The 19th seed, who saved match point before fighting back to beat Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, also equalled Caroline Wozniacki (11) for the most women's singles main-draw appearances taken by a player to win at Melbourne Park.

"I made my very first grand slam semi-final here in Melbourne [2015], so to now have won my first grand slam in the same place means the absolute world to me," she said during her on-court interview.

"I have wanted this for so long. I have been in one other grand slam final and it did not go my way.

"I didn't know if I was ever going to get back to this position to try and win a trophy again. My team believed in me every step of the way.

"They believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, and helped me every step of the way. I am so appreciative to every single person who helped me continue to believe in myself, and push on to achieve this dream."

To Sabalenka, she added: "Unbelievable tennis. [She's] always so tough and we always have the craziest matches. Congratulations on another amazing grand slam run."

Sabalenka narrowly missed out on becoming the first woman since Martina Hingis between 1997 and 1999 to win three straight Australian Open titles.

The world number one's frustration was evident after Keys sealed victory with a thumping forehand, lashing her racquet down before heading off to the locker room in tears.

Nevertheless, upon returning to the court, Sabalenka was gracious in defeat.

"What a tournament [for Madison]. [She's] been fighting really hard to get this trophy. [It was] really well-deserved," she said.

"I think [our team] did our best, but Madison was playing incredibly and I couldn't really do anything in this match.

"I really feel at home every time I'm here. Even though I didn't get it this year, I'll come back stronger and do my best next year."