Miami Open 2026 : World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka extended her remarkable 2026 run by successfully defending her Miami Open title, defeating Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in a gripping final. The Belarusian star has now claimed three titles this season, winning 23 of her 24 matches so far.
Historic ‘Sunshine Double’ Achievement
With victories at both Indian Wells and Miami, Sabalenka joins an elite group of players to complete the prestigious ‘Sunshine Double’ in the same season. She becomes the first woman since Iga Swiatek in 2022 to achieve this feat. Tennis legends Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, and Steffi Graf are the only others to have done it before.
Final Showdown: A Battle of Nerves
Sabalenka started aggressively, breaking serve early and taking the first set with ease. However, Gauff fought back in the second set, showing resilience under pressure and leveling the match after converting a crucial set point.
In the deciding set, Sabalenka regained control by breaking early. Her composure under pressure proved decisive, sealing the win when Gauff’s backhand went wide on match point.
Sabalenka Reflects on Her Form
After the match, Sabalenka expressed pride in her consistency and mental strength, highlighting her ability to stay focused during key moments. She also praised Gauff’s fighting spirit, acknowledging the American’s determination throughout the contest.
Gauff Set for Ranking Rise
Despite the loss, Gauff is expected to climb to World No.3 in the upcoming rankings, moving ahead of Iga Swiatek. Notably, Gauff’s two Grand Slam titles have both come after defeating Sabalenka in finals, making their rivalry one of the most exciting on tour.
Other Finals Update
In the men’s doubles final, the British-Finnish duo of Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara fell to Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in straight sets.
Meanwhile, the men’s singles final will see World No.2 Jannik Sinner take on Jiri Lehecka, with Sinner aiming to replicate Sabalenka’s Indian Wells–Miami double.
A Season to Remember
With only one loss this year — against Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final — Sabalenka’s current form signals a potentially dominant season ahead on the WTA Tour.