MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff in the Miami Open ladies’ singles championship 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 this past Saturday.
The world’s top-ranked player overwhelmed fourth-ranked Gauff in the first and third sets with blazing groundstroke winners and became the initial competitor to achieve the “Sunshine Double” — securing victories at both Indian Wells and Miami within the identical season — since Iga Swiatek in 2022.
It marked Sabalenka’s second consecutive title at the Miami Open, Gauff’s native city’s event, and gave her a 7-6 advantage in their head-to-head record.
“You’ve motivated me to enhance my game,” Sabalenka remarked during the awards presentation, before further commenting on the audience, “You consistently ensure a packed venue.”
The contest spanned 2 hours, 11 minutes and concluded with Gauff’s serve being broken for the fourth occasion, via an errant backhand shot.
Gauff rallied to compel the third set but was unable to sustain the impetus she evidently gained from the roaring audience cheering for her.
“It’s disheartening not to achieve a more favorable outcome, but I experienced immense pleasure this week,” Gauff addressed the spectators. “You guys infused vigor daily throughout this week.”
Gauff’s inconsistent serve resulted in seven service errors while Sabalenka recorded zero.
Sabalenka secured a break against Gauff during the opening game of the third set, assisted by a Gauff service fault and a self-inflicted mistake. At the crucial break opportunity, Sabalenka delivered a powerful backhand shot for a point.
The match was witnessed by Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump and who is also a golfer enrolled at the University of Miami. She shared an image with Sabalenka at the tournament on social platforms that Friday.
Sabalenka, who claimed her twenty-fourth professional championship, expressed prior to the contest that she was pleased Gauff had rediscovered her top form in her local competition where she had previously not advanced beyond the fourth stage.