Aryna Sabalenka captured the 2026 Miami Open title in thrilling fashion, defeating Coco Gauff in the women’s singles final with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
The world number one from Belarus successfully defended her crown from the previous year, becoming the first player to repeat as Miami champion since Ash Barty achieved the feat in 2019 and 2021.
In the process, Sabalenka completed the prestigious Sunshine Double by adding the Miami victory to her recent triumph at Indian Wells, joining an elite group as only the fifth woman in history to win both marquee hard-court events in the same season and the first to do so since Iga Swiatek in 2022.
The match unfolded as a high-quality battle between two of the game’s top stars, with Sabalenka showcasing her powerful groundstrokes and mental resilience. She dominated the opening set quickly, but Gauff, the hometown favorite playing in front of an energetic Miami crowd, fought back strongly to claim the second set and force a decider.
Undeterred, Sabalenka regained her composure and roared through the third set, powering past Gauff with a mix of aggressive winners and steady play to seal the victory after nearly two hours on court. This result extended her remarkable 2026 season record to 23 wins and just one loss, further cementing her position as the dominant force in women’s tennis.
With this triumph, Sabalenka claimed her 11th WTA 1000-level title, moving her closer to some of the all-time greats in the rankings points race. The win also highlighted her growing legacy on the biggest stages, as she continues to build on her major successes and assert herself at the pinnacle of the sport.
Sabalenka’s achievement not only adds another prestigious trophy to her collection but also underscores her ability to perform under pressure in one of tennis’s most demanding back-to-back tournament stretches.