Aryna Sabalenka Wins Miami Open, Completes Sunshine Double Over Coco Gauff
Aryna Sabalenka beat Coco Gauff in the Miami Open final. The score was 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
Sabalenka entered as defending champion and world No 1. She reached the final without dropping a set.
With the victory, Aryna Sabalenka Wins Miami Open and Completes Sunshine Double Over Coco Gauff. She won 73 percent of her first-serve points.
Match summary
Sabalenka surged to a 2-0 lead early in the first set. Gauff, a Delray Beach native, steadied to make it 3-2.
The opening set swung Sabalenka’s way after she secured a double break. Gauff fought back to take the second set.
Decisive moments
Gauff managed the match’s only break in set two to force a decider. Sabalenka broke early in the final set.
She then held serve twice to reach 5-3. The match ended when Gauff missed a backhand, gifting Sabalenka the fourth break.
Key statistics
- First-serve points won: 73% for Sabalenka.
- Break points faced by Sabalenka: two in the match.
- Season record after the win: 23-1 for Sabalenka.
Sunshine Double and history
Sabalenka became the fifth woman to win Indian Wells and Miami back to back. The achievement is known as the Sunshine Double.
- Iga Swiatek achieved it in 2022.
- Victoria Azarenka did so in 2016.
- Kim Clijsters completed it in 2005.
- Steffi Graf achieved the feat in 1994 and 1996.
Form and season context
Sabalenka’s only defeat this year came in the Australian Open final. That loss was to Elena Rybakina.
She later beat Rybakina in the Indian Wells final. Sabalenka also defeated her in the Miami semi-finals.
Reactions and analysis
Sabalenka praised Gauff and highlighted her own mental focus. She acknowledged a few unforced errors but emphasized resilience.
Former player Tim Henman lauded Sabalenka’s mental strength and grit. Marion Bartoli also weighed in on areas for Gauff to improve.
Filmogaz.com will provide further coverage and analysis of the tournament. The Miami Open ran through March 29.
