MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated fourth-ranked Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the Miami Open women’s singles final on Saturday, securing her second consecutive title at the tournament and completing the coveted “Sunshine Double.”
Sabalenka overpowered Gauff in the first and third sets with powerful groundstrokes, becoming the first player since Iga Swiatek in 2022 to win both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season. The victory also put Sabalenka ahead in their head-to-head record, 7-6.
“You’ve pushed me to be a better player,” Sabalenka said during the trophy ceremony, adding a nod to the crowd: “You always bring a full stadium.”
The match lasted 2 hours and 11 minutes, with Gauff rallying to claim the second set but unable to sustain momentum against Sabalenka’s relentless play in the decider. Gauff struggled with her serve, committing seven double faults, while Sabalenka recorded none.
At times, the match was marred by crowd distractions. Sabalenka expressed frustration when a fan shouted “out” during a rally, earning a code violation from the chair umpire. She later apologized during the ceremony, saying, “Let’s agree we were both wrong, so sorry.”
Sabalenka broke Gauff early in the third set with a backhand winner, capitalizing on a Gauff double fault and an unforced error. “I was disappointed about that first game of the third set up 30-0 with momentum,” Gauff said afterward.
The tournament also drew notable spectators, including Kai Trump, granddaughter of Donald Trump, who shared a photo with Sabalenka on social media.
With the win, Sabalenka earned her 24th professional title and celebrated Gauff’s strong showing in her hometown tournament, where she had never previously advanced past the fourth round.
