Sabalenka beats Gauff to complete 'Sunshine Double'

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Aryna Sabalenka, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player, defeated Coco Gauff in three sets to win the Miami Open women's singles title. Sabalenka's victory marks the first time a player has accomplished the 'Sunshine Double' - winning both the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments in the same season - since Iga Swiatek in 2022.

Why it matters

Winning the 'Sunshine Double' is considered one of the most prestigious accomplishments in women's tennis, as it requires a player to excel on two very different hard court surfaces back-to-back. Sabalenka's triumph further cements her status as the dominant force in the women's game and a favorite to win multiple Grand Slam titles in 2026.

The details

Sabalenka, the world No. 1, overpowered the fourth-ranked Gauff in the first and third sets, unleashing a barrage of sizzling groundstroke winners to claim the Miami Open title in three sets. The 24-year-old Belarusian had previously won the Indian Wells title earlier this month, making her the first player to sweep the prestigious 'Sunshine Double' since Poland's Iga Swiatek in 2022.

• The Miami Open women's singles final took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Sabalenka will now turn her attention to the upcoming clay court season, where she will look to continue her dominant form and potentially add a French Open title to her growing list of accomplishments.