Aryna Sabalenka made history on Saturday, becoming the first WTA player since 2022 to complete the ‘Sunshine Double.’
After winning the Indian Wells title earlier this month, Sabalenka quickly adapted to the conditions at the Miami Open – defeating Qinwen Zheng and Elena Rybakina on her way to the final.
Sabalenka dropped her first set at the tournament against Coco Gauff in the final; but ultimately prevailed, defeating the American 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
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As a result, Sabalenka has become the first player to complete the Sunshine Double since Iga Swiatek in 2022.
The Belarusian has also entered the record books alongside 22-time Grand Slam champion Steffi Graf.
Aryna Sabalenka has won three consecutive ‘Sunshine Double’ events
As per OptaAce, Aryna Sabalenka has become the player with the most consecutive titles claimed at the Sunshine Double since both events were calendarized in 1989 after Steffi Graf.
Graf, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, won the 1994 Miami Open, before defending her title in 1995.
She also won Indian Wells in 1995 – which was the tournament’s first year as a Tier One WTA event.
Continuing, Graf went on to win five consecutive ‘Sunshine Double’ titles after winning Miami and Indian Wells in 1996.
Graf’s run came to an end in 1997 as she did not compete in Indian Wells or Miami.
Graf returned to Indian Wells in 1998, losing to Lindsay Davenport in the semi-finals. A year later, Graf returned to the Miami Open, reaching the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Venus Williams.
Graf ended her career with four Miami Open titles and one Indian Wells title.
What did Aryna Sabalenka say after winning the 2025 Miami Open final?
Aryna Sabalenka won her first Miami Open title last year, beating American star Jessica Pegula in the final.
Sabalenka, seeded first at the event, defeated Pegula 7-5, 6-2.
After the final, Sabalenka heaped praise on her opponent.
In her post-match press conference, she said: “Honestly, it’s always challenging playing her. She’s such a great player. It’s never easy matches against her. I think every time we play against each other, it’s all about those few key points in each set.
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“So it’s not like I’m winning it easily. It’s always a challenge playing her.
“But I know it’s tough to lose against one player all the time. I had this issue with Iga, so I know how it feels. But I think we all push each other to the next level, and we all improve from these tough lessons.
“So I’m excited facing her again, hopefully another final, and, I mean, of course I’m going to try my best to keep winning (smiling). I always enjoy our battles against each other.”
