Sabalenka Wins Second Straight Miami Open Title

Defeats Rising Star Coco Gauff in Three-Set Final

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a tennis match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the dynamic energy of the competition.Sabalenka's decisive victory over rising star Gauff caps off her dominant 'Sunshine Double' run in Miami.Today in Miami

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka won her second consecutive Miami Open title on Sunday, defeating American teenager Coco Gauff in a hard-fought three-set final. Sabalenka's victory completes a 'Sunshine Double' after her earlier triumph at the Indian Wells tournament.

Why it matters

Sabalenka's win cements her status as one of the dominant forces in women's tennis, while the runner-up finish continues Gauff's rapid rise as one of the sport's most promising young talents. The Miami Open is one of the premier events on the WTA calendar, making this a significant achievement for the 24-year-old Belarusian.

The details

Sabalenka raced out to a 6-2 first-set win, but Gauff battled back to take the second set 6-4 and force a decisive third set. In the final frame, Sabalenka regained control, breaking Gauff's serve twice to close out the match 6-3 and claim her second Miami title in as many years.

  • The Miami Open final took place on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • Sabalenka's previous Miami Open title came in 2025.

The players

Aryna Sabalenka

A 24-year-old Belarusian professional tennis player who is currently ranked World No. 1 and has won multiple Grand Slam titles.

Coco Gauff

A 19-year-old American professional tennis player who is considered one of the rising stars of the women's game, having reached the finals of several major tournaments.

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What they’re saying

“Coco is such a tough opponent, and I knew I had to bring my best tennis today to beat her. I'm thrilled to have defended my Miami title and completed the Sunshine Double.”

— Aryna Sabalenka

“Aryna is just too strong right now, but I'll learn from this experience and come back even stronger. Reaching the Miami final is something I can be proud of.”

— Coco Gauff

What’s next

Sabalenka will look to carry her momentum into the clay court season, while Gauff will aim to build on her breakthrough Miami performance at the upcoming Grand Slam events.

The takeaway

Sabalenka's dominant run in the 'Sunshine Double' events underscores her status as the current premier player in women's tennis, while Gauff's runner-up finish in Miami further cements her reputation as one of the sport's most exciting young talents.