The Belarusian star’s triumph sealed a coveted “Sunshine Double,” having also lifted the Indian Wells Open title earlier in the month. With the achievement, Sabalenka becomes only the fifth woman to win both prestigious WTA 1000 events in the same season, joining an elite group that includes Iga Swiatek, Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters and Victoria Azarenka.
“It means a lot,” Sabalenka said after the match, expressing pride in adding her name to the history books.
Sabalenka’s latest victory highlights her impressive form this season, with her only defeat coming in the final of the Australian Open, where she fell to Elena Rybakina. She later avenged that loss, defeating Rybakina en route to her Indian Wells title and again in the Miami semi-finals.
In Sunday’s final, Sabalenka dominated the opening set with powerful baseline play, breaking Gauff twice and closing it out in just 37 minutes without facing a break point. However, Gauff responded strongly in the second set, improving her depth on returns and capitalising on key opportunities to level the match.
Despite the American’s resurgence, Sabalenka regained control in the deciding set, breaking early and maintaining composure to seal victory on her first match point.
The defeat marked Gauff’s first loss in a hardcourt final, ending a nine-match winning streak in such contests, which included her victory over Sabalenka at the US Open in 2023. She had also beaten the Belarusian on clay at the French Open last year.
Reflecting on the match, Sabalenka praised her opponent’s resilience but credited her own focus and composure in the decisive moments. “I’m super happy how well I handled my emotions and stayed focused from the very beginning to the very end,” she said.
For Gauff, the tournament still marked a positive turnaround after injury concerns forced her withdrawal from Indian Wells earlier in the month. Despite the loss, the American expressed optimism about her form, noting she is still far from her peak.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, described the past month as one of the most memorable of her career, combining on-court success with personal milestones off the court.