Sabalenka Seals Sunshine Double with Miami Open Triumph

Miami — Aryna Sabalenka delivered a commanding performance to defeat World No. 4 Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 and clinch the Miami Open title, becoming the first player since Iga ?wi?tek in 2022 to complete the coveted Sunshine Double. 

The victory also marked Sabalenka’s second consecutive Miami Open crown — a feat last achieved by Ashleigh Barty in 2019 and 2021 (the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the pandemic). She is also the first player since Serena Williams, who won three in a row from 2013 to 2015, to successfully defend the title in back-to-back editions.

With this triumph, Sabalenka became only the fifth woman to win both Indian Wells and the Miami Open in the same season, joining an elite list featuring Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and ?wi?tek. 

She also became just the fourth player since 2000 to reach the finals of her first four tournaments of the year on hard courts — alongside Martina Hingis (2001), Serena Williams (2003) and Azarenka (2012). Sabalenka went on to win three of those events, including Brisbane and both legs of the Sunshine Double.

“It means a lot,” Sabalenka said after the win. “My goal has always been to put my name in history, and I just did it. It sounds unreal. I’m super proud and really happy with this beautiful trophy.” 

The victory also brought Sabalenka her 24th WTA singles title and 30th overall, including six doubles titles. Her achievements include four Grand Slam singles crowns, two Grand Slam doubles titles, and 11 WTA 1000 singles titles.

Sabalenka has now spent 83 weeks as World No. 1, including an ongoing streak that will reach 76 consecutive weeks — surpassing ?wi?tek’s longest run and marking the longest stay at the top since Barty’s 114-week stretch from September 2019 to March 2022.