Miami: World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka completed the coveted “Sunshine Double” after defeating Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to retain the Miami Open title and extend her remarkable run in the 2026 season.
The Belarusian became only the fifth woman to win both Indian Wells and Miami in the same year, and the first since Iga Swiatek achieved the feat in 2022. Legends Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters and Steffi Graf are the other players to accomplish the rare double.
Sabalenka’s victory continues a sensational start to the year, with three WTA titles and 23 wins from 24 matches. Her only defeat came in the Australian Open final against world No.2 Elena Rybakina.
The final began with Sabalenka in complete control as she broke early and raced through the opening set. Gauff responded strongly in the second, saving crucial break points before leveling the match. However, Sabalenka regained momentum in the decider, breaking in the first game and sealing victory when Gauff’s backhand drifted wide.
“I’m so proud of the work we’ve done and the fight I brought on court,” Sabalenka said, praising Gauff’s resilience while highlighting her own mental strength.
Despite the defeat, Gauff is set to climb to world No.3 in the next rankings update.
In other results, Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori won the men’s doubles title, while world No.2 Jannik Sinner will face Czech 21st seed Jiri Lehecka in the men’s singles final, with Sinner also chasing a Sunshine Double.
Source: BBC Sports
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