Aryna Sabalenka secured a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Coco Gauff to claim the Miami Open trophy, achieving the Sunshine Double, a feat last accomplished by Iga Swiatek in 2022.
This victory marks Sabalenka’s second consecutive Miami Open win, a rare achievement matched only by Ash Barty in 2019 and 2021, with the 2020 tournament canceled due to the pandemic. Additionally, she becomes the first player since Serena Williams (2013-2015) to achieve back-to-back wins in consecutive years.
Joining an elite group, Sabalenka becomes the fifth woman to secure the Sunshine Double by winning both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season, following legends like Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, and Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka’s remarkable performance extends to reaching the finals in her first four tournaments of the year, a feat only accomplished by a few players since 2000, including Martina Hingis, Serena Williams, and Victoria Azarenka, all on hard courts. Notably, she emerged victorious in three of these tournaments, including the prestigious Sunshine Double.
Expressing her joy, Sabalenka stated, “My goal has always been to make history, and I have now achieved it. It feels surreal, and I am incredibly proud and happy to hold this beautiful trophy.”
This win marks Sabalenka’s 24th WTA singles title and her 30th overall, including successes in doubles and Grand Slam events. She has spent a significant amount of time at World No. 1, with an active streak of 75 weeks, set to surpass Swiatek’s record and aiming for Barty’s 114-week reign.
