Aryna Sabalenka Triumphs at Miami Open, Completes Sunshine Double
Synopsis
Aryna Sabalenka's remarkable 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 win over Coco Gauff at the Miami Open marks her historic achievement of the Sunshine Double, making her the first since Iga Swiatek in 2022. Discover the milestones behind this victory.
Key Takeaways
Sabalenka's victory over Gauff secures her second consecutive Miami Open title.
She is the first player to complete the Sunshine Double since 2022.
Sabalenka becomes the fifth woman to win both Indian Wells and Miami in the same year.
She has amassed 24 WTA singles titles, including four Grand Slam titles.
Sabalenka is on track to surpass previous records for consecutive weeks at World No.
Miami, March 29 (NationPress) Aryna Sabalenka achieved a stunning victory with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 against World No. 4 Coco Gauff, claiming the Miami Open title. This victory makes her the first athlete to secure the Sunshine Double since Iga Swiatek in 2022.
This marks Sabalenka's second consecutive Miami Open crown, a feat not accomplished since Ash Barty's wins in 2019 and 2021 (with no tournament in 2020 due to the pandemic). Additionally, she is the first player to win in successive years since Serena Williams, who did so from 2013 to 2015.
Sabalenka is now the fifth woman to clinch both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season, joining the ranks of legends like Steffi Graf (1994, ’96), Kim Clijsters (2005), Victoria Azarenka (2016), and Iga Swiatek (2022).
Since 2000, she becomes the fourth player to reach the finals in her first four tournaments of the year (following Martina Hingis in 2001, Serena Williams in 2003, and Victoria Azarenka in 2012), all on hard courts. Out of these, she triumphed in three, which includes both Brisbane and the Sunshine Double.
“This means a lot to me,” Sabalenka expressed. “My ambition has always been to etch my name in history, and I just did that. It feels surreal. I’m incredibly proud at this moment and thrilled with this beautiful trophy.”
The triumph signifies her 24th WTA singles title and her 30th overall, which includes six in doubles. Her accolades comprise four Grand Slam singles titles, two in doubles, 11 WTA 1000 singles titles, and two additional in doubles, one of which was secured in Miami in 2019.
Throughout her career, she has spent 83 weeks at the World No. 1 position, currently holding an ongoing streak of 75 weeks. By Monday, she will celebrate her 76th consecutive week at the top, surpassing Swiatek’s previous record and achieving the longest tenure at No. 1 since Barty’s 114-week reign from September 2019 to March 2022 (which included a rankings freeze during the Covid-19 pandemic).
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight Aryna Sabalenka's groundbreaking achievement in tennis. Her victory at the Miami Open not only underscores her skill but also places her among the sport's elite. This accomplishment resonates with fans and serves as an inspiring narrative in the world of sports.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sunshine Double?
The Sunshine Double refers to winning both the Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments in the same season.
When did Aryna Sabalenka win her first Miami Open title?
Aryna Sabalenka won her first Miami Open title in 2022.
How many WTA singles titles has Sabalenka won?
Aryna Sabalenka has won a total of 24 WTA singles titles in her career.
Who was the last player to achieve the Sunshine Double before Sabalenka?
Iga Swiatek was the last player to complete the Sunshine Double, achieving it in 2022.
How long has Sabalenka been ranked World No. 1?
Aryna Sabalenka has spent a total of 83 weeks at World No. 1, with an active streak of 75 weeks.
