WTA 1000 MIAMI OPEN. By Emiliano Naftali
Aryna Sabalenka further solidified her position as the world’s top player with a commanding victory at the Miami Open, securing her first title at the tournament with a 7-5, 6-2 win over fourth seed Jessica Pegula.
This triumph marks Sabalenka’s 19th WTA title, including eight at the WTA 1000 level and three Grand Slam trophies. Her consistency has been remarkable—she is now only the third WTA No. 1 in history to reach the finals of the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and the Miami Open in the same season.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Sabalenka expressed her joy after the match. “I have no words,” she said. “My last few finals were really tough and closely contested. This time, I stayed completely focused, playing point by point. Winning my first Miami title feels incredibly special.”
The rivalry between Sabalenka and Pegula has intensified over the past year, with the two facing off in three of the five biggest hard-court finals, including the 2024 US Open and Cincinnati Open. In those meetings, Sabalenka’s sheer power proved too much for Pegula, despite the American’s resilience.
Photo Gabriel Matteazzi
Sabalenka’s dominance throughout the Miami Open made her the clear favorite heading into the final. She faced and defeated two top-10 players—sixth seed Jasmine Paolini and ninth seed Zheng Qinwen—as well as defending champion Danielle Collins, without dropping a single set.
Photo Gabriel Matteazzi 
Rain delayed the start of the final by an hour, and the opening games were marked by a series of service breaks as both players fought for control. But as the first set progressed, Sabalenka found her rhythm, particularly on serve, and delivered her best return game at the perfect moment. Leading 6-5, she broke Pegula to love, sealing the set with authority. “I’m so happy I stayed in the fight, no matter what,” she said.