Sabalenka Beats Gauff In Miami Final To Complete Sunshine Double
Aryna Sabalenka became the fifth woman ever and the first since 2022 to complete the “Sunshine Double” as she defeated Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to win the Miami Open on Saturday, a week after capturing the Indian Wells title.
The title is the 24th at the WTA Tour level for Sabalenka who continues to distance herself from the rest of the field, with these back-to-back titles strengthening her grip on the world number one ranking. She is the first Sunshine Double winner on the women’s side since Iga Swiatek in 2022, and joins a list that includes Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Swiatek.
“It means a lot. My goal has always been to put my name in history, and I just did that,” said Sabalenka. “It just sounds so unreal. I don’t know how I was able to achieve that, but I’m super proud right now. Of course, super happy with this beautiful trophy.”
Sabalenka has also now won back-to-back Miami Open titles, and came out inspired against Gauff with a break of serve in the match’s opening game. She then broke again for a 5-2 lead later on to cruise to the first set victory.
But Gauff solidified her serve in the second set, saving a break point at 3-3, and a few games later, breaking Sabalenka to win the frame and force a deciding third set.
In the decider, Sabalenka controlled play with her serve. She won 74 percent of her first serve points, and 61 percent on her second serves. A break to open the set was the cushion she needed to take the reigns, and one final break at 5-3 sealed the championship.
“Honestly, I don’t know what else to say. But I want to start with you. You’re a fighter,” Sabalenka said to Gauff during the trophy ceremony. “You also pushed me so hard to be a better player, and I like our rivalry. You’re incredible. I’m happy to see you back in the finals, and I really hope to play many more. So congrats to you and your team.”
Gauff said:
“I thought it was a good tournament. Obviously today, it’s tough to come home with this result. I think I will learn a lot from today’s match. I felt like I could have done better in some moments, but that’s tennis. [I’m] just happy to find some momentum.”
This week will mark the 76th straight atop the world rankings for Sabalenka, the longest such streak since Ash Barty held it for 114 weeks between 2019 and 2022. Gauff will move up to number three in the world.
