On March 29, 2026, Coco Gauff faced Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the Miami Open held in Florida. This match was significant for Gauff as it marked her first appearance in a Miami final, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
The match commenced with Sabalenka taking an early lead, winning the first set 6-2. Gauff responded in the second set, showcasing her resilience by winning 4-6, which brought the match to a decisive third set.
However, Sabalenka regained control in the final set, winning 6-3. This victory not only secured the Miami Open title for Sabalenka but also completed her achievement of the ‘Sunshine Double,’ having previously won the Indian Wells title earlier in the month.
With this win, Sabalenka became the fifth woman in history to achieve the Sunshine Double, joining the ranks of notable players such as Iga Swiatek and Steffi Graf. Her victory improved her all-time record against Gauff to 7-6, further establishing her dominance in their rivalry.
Throughout the match, Gauff struggled with her serve, recording seven double faults, which contributed to her defeat. Despite this setback, Gauff had previously enjoyed a successful run, having won her first nine hardcourt finals before this match.
For Sabalenka, this victory marked her 12th consecutive win and brought her total career titles to 24, with 21 of those titles won on hard courts. Her only loss this year was to Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
After the match, Sabalenka praised Gauff, stating, “I want to start with [Coco]. You’re a fighter, and you also push me so hard to be a better player, and I like our rivalry.” Gauff reciprocated the sentiment, congratulating Sabalenka and acknowledging their competitive history.
As the tennis season progresses, both players will look to build on their performances. Gauff’s journey continues as she aims to learn from this experience and improve her game, while Sabalenka seeks to maintain her winning momentum.
The outcome of this match is significant for both players, as it highlights the competitive nature of women’s tennis and sets the stage for future encounters between these rising stars.