Sabalenka Wins Miami Open 2026 to Complete Sunshine Double | Result & Reaction

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the Miami Open 2026 WTA Final to claim her second consecutive Miami title and complete the Sunshine Double, becoming the first player to win both Indian Wells and Miami in the same year since Iga Swiatek in 2022.

The world number one produced a dominant first set before Gauff fought back to level in the second, but Sabalenka reasserted control in the decider to clinch her 24th WTA singles title in two hours and nine minutes at Hard Rock Stadium. The result extends her run at the top of the rankings to 76 consecutive weeks and moves her head-to-head record against Gauff to 7-6.

For our pre-match analysis, see our Sabalenka vs Gauff Miami Open Final prediction. For full player backgrounds, see our Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff player profiles, or our detailed Sabalenka vs Gauff H2H record.

Match Result

Detail	Info
Winner	Aryna Sabalenka [1]
Runner-up	Coco Gauff [4]
Score	6-2, 4-6, 6-3
Duration	2 hours 9 minutes
Tournament	Miami Open 2026 – WTA Final
Surface	Hard court (outdoor)
Venue	Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

How the match unfolded

Sabalenka was in devastating form in the opening set, using her serve and forehand to overwhelm Gauff from the baseline. The Belarusian won 74% of first-serve points and dominated the opening exchanges, breaking Gauff twice to race to a 6-2 lead in a set that lasted barely 30 minutes.

Gauff responded with a sharp tactical adjustment in the second set. The American began attacking more aggressively on return, making deeper returns and taking the ball earlier to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm. Gauff later reflected on the change: “In the second set, I was just able to raise my level. I was doing a lot of dictating and playing a bit more aggressive, making more deeper returns.”

The momentum shift carried Gauff to a 6-4 second set, but the decisive moment came early in the third. Leading 30-0 in the opening game of the decider, Gauff was unable to consolidate, and Sabalenka pounced on the opportunity to seize control. “I think I’m most disappointed about that first game in the third set, up 30-Love,” Gauff admitted afterwards. Sabalenka did not look back, closing out the match 6-3 to secure the title.

Sabalenka makes history with Sunshine Double

By adding the Miami Open title to her Indian Wells triumph earlier this month, Sabalenka became only the fifth woman in history to complete the Sunshine Double. She joins Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Swiatek on that exclusive list.

The back-to-back Miami titles are also significant. Sabalenka is the first player to win consecutive Miami Open women’s titles since Serena Williams managed three in a row from 2013 to 2015. It is a statement of dominance on hard courts that few can match in the modern game.

Sabalenka was emotional after the match, telling the crowd: “My goal always been to put my name in history, and I just did it. It just sounds so unreal.” She also had warm words for Gauff in the on-court ceremony, saying: “You’re a fighter. You’re incredible. I’m happy to see you back in the finals.”

Gauff reflects on near-miss in front of home crowd

The defeat was painful for Gauff, who grew up in nearby Delray Beach and has always considered Miami a home tournament. The 21-year-old was playing her first hard-court final loss, dropping to 9-1 in hard-court finals overall, and will move to world number three on Monday following Swiatek’s earlier exit.

Despite the result, Gauff struck an optimistic tone in her post-match press conference. “I feel like I’m nowhere near my peak of my tennis,” she said. “So I think it gives me comfort a little bit playing these tournaments and having great results.” She also addressed the Miami crowd directly: “I promise one day we’ll get the big one and get to go out in Miami and celebrate.”

Gauff’s focus on process over results was evident throughout the tournament. Having recovered from a shoulder injury that nearly prevented her participation, she set incremental goals match by match: “I started off with just minimum goals, which was just to win that second set of that first match.”

Updated Sabalenka vs Gauff head-to-head

The Miami final moves Sabalenka into the lead in their rivalry at 7-6, and 5-4 on hard courts. Gauff still leads in deciding sets (4-3) and at Grand Slams (2-1). See our Sabalenka vs Gauff H2H page for the full match-by-match record.

Date	Tournament	Surface	Winner	Score
Mar 2026	Miami Open Final	Hard	Sabalenka	6-2, 4-6, 6-3
Nov 2025	WTA Finals Riyadh	Hard	Sabalenka	7-6(5), 6-2
Jun 2025	French Open Final	Clay	Gauff	6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4
May 2025	Madrid Open Final	Clay	Sabalenka	6-3, 7-6(3)
Jan 2024	Australian Open SF	Hard	Sabalenka	7-6(2), 6-4

What this means for the WTA rankings

Sabalenka consolidates her position at world number one, extending her streak to 76 consecutive weeks at the top. The Sunshine Double confirms her status as the dominant force in women’s tennis heading into the clay court season.

Gauff will rise from world number four to world number three on Monday, overtaking Swiatek following the Pole’s early exit in Miami. At 21, Gauff’s consistency at the top of the game is remarkable, and the clay court swing offers her the chance to defend her French Open title.

What comes next

Both players now turn their attention to the clay court season. The WTA tour moves to European clay with Madrid and Rome the key warm-up events before Roland Garros. Gauff is the defending French Open champion and will be among the favourites to retain her title.

For our latest tennis coverage, see our tennis betting tips and Miami Open tournament hub. For a full guide to watching live tennis, visit our How to Watch Tennis page.

FAQs

Who won the Miami Open 2026 WTA Final?

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to win the Miami Open 2026 WTA title.

What is the Sunshine Double?

The Sunshine Double is achieved by winning both Indian Wells and Miami in the same year. Sabalenka is only the fifth woman to accomplish this, following Graf, Clijsters, Azarenka and Swiatek.

What is the Sabalenka vs Gauff head-to-head record?

Sabalenka now leads the H2H 7-6 overall, including 5-4 on hard courts. See our full Sabalenka vs Gauff H2H breakdown for every meeting.

What is Coco Gauff’s world ranking after Miami?

Gauff will move from world number four to world number three on Monday 30 March 2026, following Swiatek’s early exit from Miami.