World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka secured the Sunshine Double, defeating Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to retain her Miami Open title on Saturday night.

Sabalenka, 27, became the fifth woman to win Indian Wells and Miami titles in one year, joining Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Iga Swiatek.

She also joins Graf as the only reigning world No. 1 to achieve the feat, describing the milestone as “unreal” and expressing pride and gratitude.

The victory marked Sabalenka’s 12th consecutive win, reinforcing her dominance after edging Elena Rybakina in a thrilling Indian Wells final.

Sabalenka ended Gauff’s perfect hard-court finals record and avenged her 2025 Roland Garros loss, improving to 23-1 with three titles this season.

The Belarusian now holds 24 career titles, including 21 on hard courts, capping a remarkable month on and off the court.

Sabalenka displayed dominance, facing only two break points, while Gauff struggled with seven double faults that proved costly.

In the deciding set, Sabalenka broke early and maintained control, sealing victory with a powerful forehand as Gauff’s final return sailed wide.

Reflecting on the match, Sabalenka said she stayed mentally focused, anticipating Gauff’s resilience and fighting spirit in crucial moments.

The victory crowns a memorable month for Sabalenka, combining personal milestones with one of the most dominant runs of her career.

(NAN)