Rising talent Elena Rybakina has her sights set on doing some damage at the Australian Open after taking out the Hobart International.

The in-form 20-year-old sent down 10 aces and was brutal from the back of the court to beat Zhang Shuai 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 in Saturday’s final.

It was Rybakina’s second career WTA title and second final in the space of two weeks after she finished runner-up at the Shenzhen Open in China.

“It’s amazing. I’m really happy with my win because last week I had an opportunity. I was really motivated,” Rybakina, ranked 30, said.

The Kazakh surged up the rankings from No.191 to 37 last year and will enter the Australian Open on Monday as the 29th seed.

This time last year, she was licking her wounds having lost in the first round of qualifying at Melbourne Park.

Rybakina could run into Australia’s world No.1 Ashleigh Barty in the third round.

“Of course I’m really happy and confident,” she said.

“Last year I lost first round in ‘qualies’ and this year I’m going to be seeded – that’s great. I’m just looking forward to Monday.

“It was really fast (the ranking rise). It was not easy, there were so many tournaments last year.

“I’ve had a great pre-season, I feel much better than last year physically.”

Rybakina battled a hip twinge in a gruelling semi-final win over qualifier Heather Watson, but showed no signs of discomfort in the Hobart final.

She flew to a 4-1 lead, but had to dig deep when Zhang rallied to force the first set to a tiebreak.

The second set was a more one-sided affair, with Rybakina breaking for a second time to seal the match.