Sabalenka triumphs over Gauff in the Miami tennis final, achieving the ‘Sunshine Double’
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over hometown favorite Coco Gauff with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the Miami Open final on Saturday, achieving the prestigious ‘Sunshine Double’ and entering an exclusive club.
World number one Sabalenka, who advanced to the final without losing a set, secured 73% of her first-serve points and encountered only two break points on her way to victory in a rematch of the 2025 French Open final, which was won by Gauff.
Sabalenka has become the fifth woman to achieve the remarkable feat of winning the Indian Wells and Miami titles consecutively, a remarkable accomplishment referred to as the ‘Sunshine Double’ due to the tournaments’ locations in California and Florida.
I would like to begin with Coco. “You’re a fighter, and you really motivate me to elevate my game. I appreciate our rivalry,” Sabalenka, who now holds a 7-6 record against Gauff, remarked during the trophy ceremony.
Sabalenka quickly took a 2-0 lead, but Gauff, hailing from nearby Delray Beach and competing in her first Miami final, secured her first game with a love hold. She then fended off three break points in her subsequent service game to narrow the gap to 3-2.
However, Sabalenka maintained her concentration and ultimately secured a double break against the world number four, finishing a commanding opening while serving.
The two players were closely matched in the middle set, maintaining their serves until Gauff managed to break Sabalenka for the sole time in the match, leading to a decisive third set.
Sabalenka broke Gauff to start the final set, held serve at love in two straight games to lead 5-3, and then clinched the match with her fourth break when Gauff sent a backhand wide.
Sabalenka has become the first player to secure consecutive Miami titles since Ashleigh Barty achieved this feat in 2019 and 2021. The 2020 edition was called off because of COVID-19.
The Belarusian joins Iga Swiatek (2022), Victoria Azarenka (2016), Kim Clijsters (2005), and Steffi Graf (1994, 1996) as the only women to achieve the ‘Sunshine Double.’
Sabalenka has also achieved a record of 23-1 this year, with her sole defeat occurring in the Australian Open final against Elena Rybakina, whom she subsequently defeated in the Indian Wells final and Miami semi-finals. “Aryna, congratulations.” “We’ve faced numerous battles and finals, and I believe you challenge me to improve as a player,” Gauff remarked. You’re an excellent fighter, and I look forward to playing many more games together. I believe we will.
