search-icon-hover
Home > News List > Article
Aryna Sabalenka Triumphs Over Coco Gauff to Secure 'Sunshine Double' at Miami Open

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka claimed victory against local favorite Coco Gauff with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the Miami Open final on Saturday, joining an elite group of players by achieving the prestigious 'Sunshine Double'.

Ranked as the world number one, Sabalenka reached the final without losing a single set, winning 73% of her first-serve points and facing only two break points throughout the match. This final was a rematch of the 2025 French Open, which Gauff had won.

Sabalenka is now one of only five women to have won both the Indian Wells and Miami titles consecutively, a remarkable achievement known as the 'Sunshine Double' due to the tournaments' locations in California and Florida. During the trophy ceremony, she praised Gauff, stating, "I want to start with (Coco). You're a fighter and you also push me so hard to be a better player and I like our rivalry." Sabalenka's record against Gauff improved to 7-6 with this win.

Sabalenka quickly took a 2-0 lead in the match, but Gauff, hailing from nearby Delray Beach and competing in her first Miami final, responded with a love hold and fended off three break points in her next service game to narrow the score to 3-2.

However, Sabalenka maintained her composure, eventually establishing a double break against the world number four before finishing the first set strong on her serve.

The second set saw both players evenly matched, remaining on serve until Gauff managed to break Sabalenka for the only time in the match, pushing the match into a deciding set. In the third set, Sabalenka broke Gauff to take the lead, held serve at love in two consecutive games, and clinched her victory with her fourth break when Gauff hit a backhand wide.

Sabalenka becomes the first player to win back-to-back titles in Miami since Ashleigh Barty in 2019 and 2021; the 2020 tournament was canceled due to COVID-19.

With this win, the Belarusian joins an exclusive group of players, including Iga Swiatek (2022), Victoria Azarenka (2016), Kim Clijsters (2005), and Steffi Graf (1994, 1996), who have also completed the 'Sunshine Double'.

Sabalenka's record for the year now stands at 23-1, with her only defeat occurring in the Australian Open final against Elena Rybakina, whom she later defeated in both the Indian Wells final and the Miami semi-finals. Gauff congratulated Sabalenka, saying, "Aryna, congratulations. We've had many battles, many finals, and I think you push me to be a better player. You're a great fighter and hopefully, we can play many more. I think we will."

ALSO READ

  • Tennis: Sabalenka and Rybakina to clash again in Miami semi-final

  • Tennis: Sinner powers past Michelsen to reach Miami quarter-finals

Read More

Advertisement

Advertisement

Recommended for You
Andrei Kuzmenko's Debut Brings New Energy into the LA Kings
Andrei Kuzmenko's Debut Brings New Energy into the LA Kings
The Los Angeles Kings increased their forward depth at the NHL Trade Deadline by bringing on Andrei Kuzmenko. Kuzmenko's ability to attack the open ice brings some new energy to the LA offense.
Formula One Monitoring Middle East Situation for Bahrain and Saudi Races
Formula One Monitoring Middle East Situation for Bahrain and Saudi Races
South Africa Faces New Zealand in T20 World Cup Semi-finals
South Africa Faces New Zealand in T20 World Cup Semi-finals

Advertisement

Advertisement

UGC Season 3 heads to the Earth course for a high-stakes Elite Matchplay showdown
UGC Season 3 heads to the Earth course for a high-stakes Elite Matchplay showdown
Round 2 of Season 3 of the Ultimate Golf Challenge promises a dramatic shift in both stage and strategy as the action moves to the championship-renowned Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on February 26, home of the DP World Tour Championship.
India Advances to T20 World Cup Semifinals with Victory over West Indies
India Advances to T20 World Cup Semifinals with Victory over West Indies

Barca mount late comeback to stun Atletico in thriller
Barca mount late comeback to stun Atletico in thriller
MADRID: Barcelona battled back from two goals down to beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 and land an important blow in the Spanish title race on Sunday. Lamine Yamal struck in the 92nd minute and Ferran Torres in the 98th to help take the Catalans back top of the table after Real Madrid beat Villarreal on Saturday to briefly claim pole position. Barcelona have a game in hand on the champions with both sides level on 60 points, while Atletico trail the top two by four after they crumbled at home against Hansi Flick’s side to end a disastrous week following their Champions League elimination. Having twice been caught out late by Atletico this season, this time it was Barcelona’s turn to provide the sting in the tail, extending their unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions. Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth put Atletico ahead before Robert Lewandowski and Torres hit back for Barca, who went on to win in stoppage time. Flick selected Marc Casado in midfield, with Frenkie de Jong not fit enough to be included in the matchday squad. The German had warned his players to stay focussed after they conceded a 96th minute goal in December to surrender the lead at the top of the table to Atletico in a 2-1 home defeat. Barcelona also conceded two late goals in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg to draw 4-4 against Diego Simeone’s side in February. They played within themselves in the first half, overly cautious and conserving energy, failing to create many openings. Teenage winger Yamal created one for himself but fired wide with Jan Oblak’s goal gaping, while Lewandowski directed a header at the Slovenian stopper. At the other end Atletico wanted a penalty when Inigo Martinez pulled back Marcos Llorente in the area but they were not given it. Barcelona’s best chance of the first half came when Pedri played in Lewandowski, who hit the top of the crossbar with a powerful drive. From the resulting goal kick, Atletico found the opener. The hosts worked the ball to Griezmann, who threaded a brilliant pass across the area to Giuliano Simeone, with Alvarez finishing from his cut-back. It provided a moment of joy for the former Manchester City striker who felt deep frustration in midweek when his penalty against Real Madrid was controversially disallowed for a supposed double touch on the ball, as Atletico were eliminated in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday. Yamal probed after the break as Barca looked for a way back in and Simeone turned to his bench to freshen up his side, who played 120 draining minutes against Los Blancos. The coach introduced Sorloth and Conor Gallagher and they combined for Atletico’s second goal. Atletico put together another fine team move with Griezmann heavily involved, before Gallagher squared to perennial super-sub Sorloth to net his 11th league goal of the season, despite just nine starts. Barcelona had complaints about a Rodrigo De Paul handball in the build-up dismissed and they turned their anger into an instant response. Martinez drove forward with the ball and slung it into the box for Lewandowski, who controlled well and powered a low finish past Oblak to spark the comeback. Substitute Torres netted the equalizer when Raphinha, on an othewise quiet night in the capital for the Brazilian, crossed from the right. With Atletico shaken, Barcelona took full advantage, with Yamal’s deflected shot from distance sending them ahead in stoppage time. Torres bagged his second late on to round off a win which could prove decisive come the end of the season.
Australia's Batting Crisis: Major Shake-Up Looms After WTC Final Collapse
Australia's Batting Crisis: Major Shake-Up Looms After WTC Final Collapse
Saturday night fever as key Dubai World Cup trials set to ignite Dubai Racing Carnival
Saturday night fever as key Dubai World Cup trials set to ignite Dubai Racing Carnival
The road to Dubai World Cup night passes through one defining evening at Meydan Racecourse, and this year that spotlight shines brighter than ever on Emirates Super Saturday, the final major meeting of the 2025–2026 Dubai Racing Carnival ahead of the $30.5 million Dubai World Cup fixture on March 28.
World Cup Ticket Prices Soar as Demand Rises
World Cup Ticket Prices Soar as Demand Rises

Advertisement

Advertisement

The Evolving Legacy of Horseman Simon Crisford at Super Saturday
The Evolving Legacy of Horseman Simon Crisford at Super Saturday
Rublev joins elite company to reach fifth semi-final at DDF Tennis Championships
Rublev joins elite company to reach fifth semi-final at DDF Tennis Championships
Andrey Rublev, the No.5 seed at this week’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, progressed to his fifth semi-final in the city on Thursday night — a benchmark reached by only two other men in the ATP 500 tournament’s 34-year history: Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Not bad company to keep.
Medvedev to Face Griekspoor in ATP 500 Final
Medvedev to Face Griekspoor in ATP 500 Final
Moving Day at Jumeirah Golf Estates: UGC Season 2 Round 2 Recap
Moving Day at Jumeirah Golf Estates: UGC Season 2 Round 2 Recap
India and England Set to Clash in T20 World Cup Semi-final
India and England Set to Clash in T20 World Cup Semi-final
The Doughty Effect
The Doughty Effect
The return of Drew Doughty to the Los Angeles Kings lineup ignited fans and teammates alike with a wave of excitement and renewed hope. With their star defenseman back at the helm, the Kings felt like a complete team again, ready to face any challenge. As the 6-foot-1 Canadian participated in the 4 Nations Face-Off against teammate Adrian Kempe, there's potential of him improving his playmaking abilities and returning to the star defenseman form we all know and appreciate.

Rashford returns to Champions League in Aston Villa’s 3-1 win at Club Brugge
Rashford returns to Champions League in Aston Villa’s 3-1 win at Club Brugge
BRUGGE: Marcus Rashford resumed his Champions League career Tuesday, starting in Aston Villa’s 3-1 win at Club Brugge in the first leg of their last-16 tie. Rashford did not score his first goal with his new team but put on a strong first-half display, making himself available and showing his pace and great technique on the wing. After Leon Bailey put Villa ahead, Rashford had an excellent chance to double Villa’s lead on the break in the 10th minute from a tight angle, but his effort was blocked by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Rashford was replaced by Marco Asensio in the 64th minute. It was Rashford’s first Champions League match since November 2023, when he was sent off for Manchester United against FC Copenhagen. Rashford joined Villa in February on loan from United, where he had fallen out with manager Ruben Amorim. He had not played for United since Dec. 12 amid Amorim’s concerns about Rashford’s commitment to training. The 27-year-old forward’s loan runs to the end of the season. Rashford has been in great from since his departure from Old Trafford. Although he has yet to score for his new team, he has been influential and set up three goals for Asensio. According to UEFA statistics, Rashford played 33 Champions League games for United, scoring 12 goals. Villa were a league-phase surprise, finishing eighth to set up the round-of-16 matchup against a Club Brugge squad that defeated Villa 1-0 in November and eliminated Atalanta in the playoffs.
Frustration for Carrick as United Salvage Late Point at West Ham
Frustration for Carrick as United Salvage Late Point at West Ham
Cricket: Sri Lanka's Shanaka says constant criticism has affected players' mental health
Cricket: Sri Lanka's Shanaka says constant criticism has affected players' mental health
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said the relentless criticism aimed at his players has been damaging to their mental health and undermined their efforts at the Twenty20 World Cup, where they were eliminated from the group stage on Wednesday.
Messi reveals regret of not learning English, says it makes him feel 'half-ignorant'
Messi reveals regret of not learning English, says it makes him feel 'half-ignorant'
Argentina's Fifa World Cup-winning legend Lionel Messi opened up about his regret of not learning English as a student, saying it makes him feel "half-ignorant" while interacting with prominent personalities worldwide.
Daniil Medvedev Wins Second Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Title
Daniil Medvedev Wins Second Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Title

Advertisement

Popularity Rankings
Meta AI Glasses Now Available in Singapore
Exciting news for those interested in Meta AI glasses! Ray-Ban and Oakley have officially launched their Meta AI glasses in Singapore.
Meta AI Glasses Now Available in Singapore
How To Choose The Perfect Nail Salon In Business Bay For You
How To Choose The Perfect Nail Salon In Business Bay For You
Back-to-school deals sweep UAE with up to 80% off and Dh100,000 in scholarships
Back-to-school deals sweep UAE with up to 80% off and Dh100,000 in scholarships
Fire Displaces Thousands in Sabah, Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR - A devastating fire swept through a coastal village in Malaysia's Sabah state on Borneo island on Sunday (April 19), displacing thousands and destroying around 1,000 homes, according to the fire department.
Fire Displaces Thousands in Sabah, Malaysia
'It's been an adventure': Penny University to close Jalan Klapa outlet 4 years after move from East Coast Road
Four years ago, Penny University moved out of its iconic East Coast shophouse after a decade.
'It's been an adventure': Penny University to close Jalan Klapa outlet 4 years after move from East Coast Road
Steady Remittances from the UAE in Q1 2026 Amid Currency Fluctuations
Remittances from the UAE have remained largely steady in the first quarter of 2026, with a slight increase to some countries due to favourable exchange rates, according to leading UAE currency exchange companies.
Steady Remittances from the UAE in Q1 2026 Amid Currency Fluctuations
New Arts Programmes Including Live Poetry to Launch at Changi Airport in Second Half of 2026
New Arts Programmes Including Live Poetry to Launch at Changi Airport in Second Half of 2026
Do we really need $1m to raise children in Singapore?
Do we really need $1m to raise children in Singapore?
6 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Credit Card That Matches Your Lifestyle
6 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Credit Card That Matches Your Lifestyle
The Singapore FIRE Guide 2026: Passive Income vs. Portfolio Growth
The Singapore FIRE Guide 2026: Passive Income vs. Portfolio Growth
Dubai tenants may soon be able to pay rent monthly with zero interest
Dubai tenants may soon be able to pay rent monthly with zero interest
Amazon Acquires Globalstar to Enhance Satellite Internet Network
Amazon announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement to purchase the US telecommunications satellite company Globalstar, aiming to expand its space-based internet infrastructure and compete with Elon Musk's Starlink.
Amazon Acquires Globalstar to Enhance Satellite Internet Network
Resilience in Fashion: Nafsika Skourti's Journey Amidst Turmoil
“As a community, including business owners, consumers, retailers, and influencers, we dare to believe in better days,” Nafsika states. “Against all odds, we remain optimistic, as we have a responsibility to nurture our ecosystem. Endurance in this region is second nature.”
Resilience in Fashion: Nafsika Skourti's Journey Amidst Turmoil
Juntar dinheiro fica mais fácil com desafios práticos que enganam o seu cérebro
Juntar dinheiro fica mais fácil com desafios práticos que enganam o seu cérebro
Need a Lawyer in Singapore? Here’s How to Find the Right One for Free
Need a Lawyer in Singapore? Here’s How to Find the Right One for Free
Private housing prices rise in Q1, led by suburban condo sales
Overall, the market is shifting into a more balanced phase: price growth continues, but at a slower pace; demand remains, but is more selective; and future supply is increasing, which could help keep long-term affordability in check.
Private housing prices rise in Q1, led by suburban condo sales
Dubai to Open Applications Under New Shared Housing Regulations Soon
Dubai to Open Applications Under New Shared Housing Regulations Soon
7 Must-Have Sunglasses Trends Taking Over UAE Summer Fashion in 2026
7 Must-Have Sunglasses Trends Taking Over UAE Summer Fashion in 2026
Support for Hawkers Amid Rising Costs in Chinatown
A braised duck stall owner in Chinatown has come to the defense of a fellow hawker who faced criticism for introducing a gas and oil surcharge.
Support for Hawkers Amid Rising Costs in Chinatown
Dubai Parking Guide: 9 Key Tips to Avoid Fines and Stay Compliant
Dubai Parking Guide: 9 Key Tips to Avoid Fines and Stay Compliant

Advertisement