Miami Gardens, FL, USA : World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff 6-2 4-6 6-3 in the Miami Open final on Saturday to complete the coveted “Sunshine Double” after her Indian Wells triumph.
Sabalenka, the defending champion, dominated on serve, winning 73% of her first-serve points and facing just two break points in the match, as she improved her head-to-head record against Gauff to 7-6.
“I want to start with Coco. You’re a fighter and you push me so hard to be a better player and I like our rivalry,” Sabalenka said during the trophy ceremony.
The Belarusian becomes only the fifth woman to win back-to-back titles at Indian Wells and Miami, joining Iga Swiatek, Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters and Steffi Graf.
Sabalenka made a fast start, racing into a 2-0 lead before Gauff, playing in her first Miami final, steadied herself and held serve to stay in touch. However, Sabalenka secured a double break to take the opening set comfortably.
The second set remained tight until Gauff broke Sabalenka for the only time in the match to force a decider.
Sabalenka responded immediately, breaking early in the third set and holding serve with authority to go 5-3 up before sealing victory with her fourth break of the match when Gauff sent a backhand wide.
The 26-year-old is also the first player since Ashleigh Barty to win consecutive Miami titles, following the Australian’s triumphs in 2019 and 2021.
Sabalenka improved her record this season to 23-1, with her only defeat coming against Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
“Aryna, congratulations. We’ve had many battles, many finals… you push me to be a better player,” Gauff said.
