Sabalenka Seals 'Sunshine Double' with Miami Open 2026 Victory

Belarusian star defeats Coco Gauff to complete prestigious tennis achievement

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:35am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors, breaking down the intense action of the Miami Open 2026 women's final between Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.The Miami Open 2026 women's final showcased the raw talent and competitive spirit of tennis stars Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, whose thrilling match is captured in this cubist-inspired illustration.Chicago Today

Aryna Sabalenka has cemented her status as one of the top players in women's tennis by winning the Miami Open 2026 title, completing the coveted 'Sunshine Double' in the process. The Belarusian's victory over rising American star Coco Gauff in a thrilling final showcased her mental fortitude and consistency throughout the early stages of the season.

Why it matters

Sabalenka's achievement of the 'Sunshine Double' - winning both the Indian Wells and Miami Open titles in the same year - is a rare feat accomplished by only a few elite players in the sport's history. This victory further solidifies her position among the game's best and highlights the depth of talent in the women's game, with Gauff also emerging as a rising force.

The details

In a high-quality final, Sabalenka overcame a spirited challenge from Gauff to win 7-5, 6-3. The Belarusian has now won 23 of her 24 matches this season, with her only loss coming against Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final. Sabalenka credited her mental strength and strategic approach as key factors in her success, while Gauff's performance demonstrated her own impressive growth and potential.

  • Sabalenka won the Indian Wells title in March 2026.
  • The Miami Open 2026 final took place on April 12, 2026.

The players

Aryna Sabalenka

A Belarusian professional tennis player who is currently ranked among the top players in the world. She has won multiple Grand Slam titles and is known for her powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness.

Coco Gauff

An American professional tennis player who is considered one of the rising stars in the women's game. She has already achieved significant success at a young age and is expected to continue her rapid rise in the rankings.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just so proud of myself for being mentally strong and sticking to my game plan throughout the match.”

— Aryna Sabalenka

“Aryna played an incredible match, but I'm still proud of how I competed and pushed her to the limit.”

— Coco Gauff

What’s next

Sabalenka will now turn her attention to the clay court season, where she will look to continue her dominant form and potentially add more titles to her growing collection. Gauff, meanwhile, will move up to third in the world rankings, solidifying her status as one of the top players on the women's tour.

The takeaway

Sabalenka's 'Sunshine Double' achievement is a testament to her exceptional talent and mental fortitude, cementing her place among the elite players in women's tennis. The rivalry between Sabalenka and Gauff is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the sport, with both players displaying the skill and determination to reach the pinnacle of the game.