Sabalenka Tops Gauff, Claims Miami Open Crown

According to Ireporter Online, world number one Aryna Sabalenka secured her second consecutive Miami Open title on Sunday, defeating Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to complete a rare Indian Wells–Miami sweep.

The Belarusian’s triumph follows her recent victory at the Indian Wells Open, making her the fifth woman in history to claim both early-season WTA 1000 hardcourt events in the same year. Sabalenka is the first player to achieve the feat since Iga Swiatek in 2022, joining an elite list that includes Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, and Victoria Azarenka.

The win capped a dominant start to her season, in which her only defeat came at the Australian Open final against Elena Rybakina—a player she later overcame en route to her Indian Wells and Miami titles. Sabalenka also handed Gauff her first career loss in a hardcourt final; the American had previously won all nine finals she reached on the surface, including the 2023 US Open final against Sabalenka. Gauff had also defeated the Belarusian on clay at last year’s French Open.

Sabalenka set the tone early, breaking in the opening game and dominating the first set without facing a break point. Gauff responded in the second set, improving her depth and return game to force a decisive third set in front of a lively crowd at Hard Rock Stadium, near her home base in Delray Beach, Florida.

“I was just trying to keep a positive mindset going into the third set. I’m super happy with how well I handled my emotions and stayed focused from the very beginning to the very end,” Sabalenka said.

The decider swung back in Sabalenka’s favor, as she broke early and sealed the victory when Gauff sent a backhand long on match point. “What a month,” Sabalenka added, revealing she also got engaged to Georgios Frangulis and welcomed a new puppy during her title run.

Despite the loss, Gauff left encouraged after a challenging March that included a nerve issue forcing her withdrawal from Indian Wells. The American, who considered skipping Miami, reached the final for the first time after defeating Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals. “I feel like I’m nowhere near the peak of my tennis, so it gives me comfort playing these tournaments and achieving great results,” she said.