Coco Gauff’s run to the Miami Open finals is her best-ever performance at the tournament which takes place in her home state.
The Boca Raton native never reached past the fourth round at the Miami Open prior to the 2026 tournament.
Gauff plays Aryna Sabalenka in the Miami final as she looks to lift the fourth WTA 1000 trophy of her career.
Ahead of the titanic clash between the two top players, Gauff has explained why her form has been so good in Miami.
Coco Gauff highlights home field advantage at the Miami Open
Gauff put in her best performance against Karolina Muchova in the semi-final, which ended in a dominating 6-1 6-1 victory for the American.
Asked about her increased level at the Miami Open, Gauff put most of it down to her home field advantage.
“I think it could be because I am at home and also I know I haven’t played well in the past, so there are no high expectations, I’m not here thinking it’s a tournament where I’ve played very well.
Will Coco Gauff now win the Miami Open title?
“Well, if I don’t do well, it’s another year where I have to learn. But I think being at home is the support. When I lost here last year, honestly, I lost and went home and was okay with my family.”
Gauff also declared her form far better at this year’s Miami Open than it was when she was defeated in the fourth round last season.
“I think that’s one of the things I was thinking about this year. One of the goals was to be more consistent and I definitely had some tough tournaments this year.
“But it’s better than last year, and I think that comes from evolving in my game and trying to make my game sound better. I said before this year that I felt like I was practicing well and was waiting to make that click in my game.”
Gauff’s appearance in the Miami Open final will be her 15th WTA Tour-level final, 11 of which she has won.
Coco Gauff has the chance to extend a remarkable WTA record
Gauff faces an almighty test against world number one Sabalenka, but history dictates that she should be the favourite.
To date, Gauff has reached nine hardcourt finals and she is yet to lose a single one, so it could spell danger for Sabalenka.
How long will it take for Coco Gauff to complete the career Grand Slam?
Coco Gauff’s record in WTA hardcourt finals
| Result | Year | Tournament |
|---|---|---|
| Win | 2019 | Linz Open |
| Win | 2023 | Auckland Open |
| Win | 2023 | Washington Open |
| Win | 2023 | Cincinnati Open |
| Win | 2023 | US Open |
| Win | 2024 | Auckland Open |
| Win | 2024 | China Open |
| Win | 2024 | WTA Finals |
| Win | 2025 | Wuhan Open |
That includes a major victory at the 2023 US Open, as well as a WTA Finals win in 2024, and two Masters trophies at the Cincinnati Open and the Wuhan Open.
The American’s US Open victory came against Sabalenka and she has also notched hardcourt final wins against Jessica Pegula, Elina Svitolina, and Muchova.
Gauff’s nine-match unbeaten streak in WTA hardcourt finals is impressive, but it will arguably be put to its biggest test yet in Miami.
