Aryna Sabalenka completed the Sunshine Double by beating Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, in the Miami Open final.
The Belarusian and American delivered another thrilling instalment of their rivalry at the Hard Rock Stadium.
But in a match where momentum swung back and forth, it was Sabalenka who emerged victorious, defeating Gauff in three sets.
How many Grand Slams will Aryna Sabalenka win this year?
She looks unstoppable right now!
Gracious in defeat and victory, Gauff and Sabalenka shared the same wish during the post-match ceremonies.
Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka want to keep playing each other after the Miami Open final
Gauff took in her surroundings and thanked God at the beginning of her runner-up speech.
“It’s crazy to be able to talk in this stadium,” she said.
“I grew up going to all the [Miami] Dolphins’ games, so it’s pretty cool to be on this stage.
“I would like to thank God.
“I think it has been a tough couple of weeks for me but always pulling me through and I am grateful to be in the final.
“All the credit goes to him.”
Gauff then turned her attention to Sabalenka, commenting on her rivalry with the world number one.
“Next, Aryna [Sabalenka], congratulations,” said Gauff.
“We have had many battles and finals.
Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff’s head-to-head record
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2026 Miami Open – F | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 |
| 2025 WTA Finals – RR | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 7-6, 6-2 |
| 2025 French Open – F | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2025 Madrid Open – F | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 6-3, 7-6 |
| 2024 WTA Finals – SF | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 7-6, 6-3 |
| 2024 Wuhan Open – SF | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2024 Australian Open – SF | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 7-6, 6-4 |
| 2023 US Open – F | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2023 Indian Wells – QF | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 6-4, 6-0 |
| 2022 Canadian Open – 3R | Coco Gauff | Coco Gauff | 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 |
| 2021 Italian Open – 3R | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 7-5, 6-3 |
| 2020 Ostrava Open – 2R | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 |
| 2020 Lexington Open – 2R | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 |
“I think you push me to be a better player.
“Congrats on all the success, on and off the court.
“You are a great fighter, and hopefully we can play many more.
“I think we will.
“And congrats to your team as well, always fun to speak to you guys on tour too.”
Finally, Gauff thanked her own team.
Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka – Match stats
| Stats | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff |
| Aces | 3 | 5 |
| Double faults | 0 | 7 |
| 1st Serve % | 60% | 67% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 74% | 66% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 61% | 60% |
| Break points | 4/11 | 1/2 |
“Next, to my team. I don’t think from the conversations we were having earlier, this was the result we were expecting,” she admitted.
“It sucks to not come out with the result, but I had a lot of joy this week, and that is something I am taking away from this the most.
“I was getting a bit emotional on the bench, but not sad tears. I think I was just having two weeks of gratitude, and you guys brought the energy for me every day this week.
“I really just want to say thank you to my team. I appreciate you guys.”
Gauff’s team was larger than normal at this week’s Miami Open, as her family came out to support the American number one.
The 22-year-old’s speech was a good one, and a tough act for Sabalenka to follow!
“Coco [Gauff], you are so good at speeches, I honestly don’t know what else to say,” said Sabalenka as she took the microphone.
“But honestly, you are a fighter. You push me so hard to be a better player.
“I like our rivalry. You are incredible.
“I am happy to see you back in the finals and really hope to play many more.”
Sabalenka and Gauff clearly want to play each other again, but where and when could they next meet on tour?
Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have both signed up for the Stuttgart Open
Both players will soon head to Europe for the clay-court swing.
Before the WTA 1000 events in Madrid and Rome begin, Gauff and Sabalenka will travel to Germany for the Stuttgart Open.
Top eight seeds at the Stuttgart Open
- 1. Aryna Sabalenka
- 2. Elena Rybakina
- 3. Coco Gauff
- 4. Iga Swiatek
- 5. Elina Svitolina
- 6. Jasmine Paolini
- 7. Mirra Andreeva
- 8. Karolina Muchova
Seeded first and third, Sabalenka and Gauff could meet in the semi-finals or the final, depending on the draw.
That is, if they both make it that far…
Sabalenka is a consistent performer in Stuttgart, despite never winning the title, but Gauff has yet to play her best tennis in south-western Germany.
Gauff has never been past the quarter-finals, something she’ll need to improve upon if she wants another crack at the four-time Grand Slam champion.
Only time will tell how Gauff and Sabalenka will perform in Stuttgart, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action!
The 2026 Stuttgart Open begins on Monday, April 13.
