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Aryna Sabalenka claims her First Miami Open Title over Jessica Pegula

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka added another significant title to her collection on Saturday, securing her first-ever Miami Open championship with a commanding 7-5, 6-2 win over Jessica Pegula in the final.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
In a high-stakes rematch of last year’s US Open final, Aryna Sabalenka once again demonstrated her superiority / Photo US open
In a high-stakes rematch of last year’s US Open final, Aryna Sabalenka once again demonstrated her superiority / Photo Miami open

In a high-stakes rematch of last year’s US Open final, Aryna Sabalenka once again demonstrated her superiority.

 

Needing just 1 hour and 28 minutes to clinch the victory and extend her head-to-head dominance over Jessica Pegula to 7-2, in her first-ever Miami Open championship.

 

This triumph was especially meaningful for Sabalenka, who had suffered consecutive losses in the finals of the Australian Open (to Madison Keys) and Indian Wells (to Mirra Andreeva). 

 

After falling short in those title matches, she was determined to break the cycle in Miami, and she did so in emphatic fashion.

 

“Finally, I was able to play my best tennis in a final, and I’m just super happy with the result and my performance,” Sabalenka said after lifting the Miami Open trophy for the first time.

After falling short in those title matches, she was determined to break the cycle in Miami, and she did so in emphatic fashion / Photo US Open
After falling short in those title matches, she was determined to break the cycle in Miami, and she did so in emphatic fashion / Photo Miami Open

Joining an Elite Group in WTA History

Sabalenka’s victory in Miami marked her eighth WTA 1000 title, placing her alongside tennis legend Maria Sharapova in the history books. 

 

Only a select group of players hold more WTA 1000 titles, including Serena Williams (13), Victoria Azarenka (10), Iga Swiatek (10), Simona Halep (9), and Petra Kvitova (9).

 

With this win, Sabalenka also secured her 19th career WTA singles title, an achievement made even more impressive by the fact that 17 of those victories have come on hard courts—the surface where she has consistently excelled.

 

Her collection of major titles includes three Grand Slam trophies: the 2023 Australian Open, the 2024 Australian Open, and the 2024 US Open.

 

“I went into this match with the mindset that no matter what happened, I was going to fight for every point,” Sabalenka shared. 

 

“I didn’t want to lose another final. Losing in a final is always tough, so I was ready for a battle.”

With this win, Sabalenka also secured her 19th career WTA singles title / Photo US Open
With this win, Sabalenka also secured her 19th career WTA singles title / Photo Miami Open

How Sabalenka Overpowered Pegula in the Final

The final started with a back-and-forth battle, as Jessica Pegula fought hard to keep pace with the top seed. 

 

After Sabalenka gained an early break, Pegula stormed back by winning three straight games to take a 3-2 lead.

 

However, Sabalenka quickly responded, winning the next three games and earning a chance to serve for the set at 5-3.

 

Pegula managed to break back and level the score, but at 6-5, Sabalenka delivered her most dominant game of the match. 

 

The World No. 1 fired three consecutive winners to set up triple set point, sealing the set with an overpowering forehand to break Pegula at love.

 

The turning point of the second set came at 2-1, where Pegula fought back from 0-40 down to reach deuce. 

 

However, Sabalenka unleashed back-to-back forehand winners to secure the break and take a 3-1 lead. 

 

From there, she never looked back, closing out the match with authority and lifting the Miami Open trophy for the first time in her career.

A Championship Performance to Remember

With this victory, Sabalenka has firmly reestablished herself as the most dominant force on hard courts. 

 

Her ability to bounce back from recent final losses and deliver a clinical performance against a top opponent like Pegula highlights her mental toughness and championship pedigree.

 

As the Miami Open champion, she now sets her sights on maintaining her top ranking and adding more titles to her already impressive resume. 

 

If this tournament was any indication, Aryna Sabalenka is far from done making history.

After Sabalenka gained an early break, Pegula stormed back by winning three straight games to take a 3-2 lead / Photo US Open
After Sabalenka gained an early break, Pegula stormed back by winning three straight games to take a 3-2 lead / Photo Miami Open

Sabalenka in keys

  • Who did Aryna Sabalenka defeat to win the Miami Open title? She defeated Jessica Pegula in the final with a 7-5, 6-2 victory.
  • How many WTA 1000 titles has Sabalenka won after her Miami Open victory? She now has eight WTA 1000 titles, tying Maria Sharapova.
  • What was the key turning point in the Miami Open final? The 2-1 game in the second set, where Sabalenka broke Pegula’s serve after a tough battle.
  • How does this Miami Open title impact Sabalenka’s career? It marks her first Sunshine Double title and reinforces her dominance on hard courts.

If you found this article about Aryna Sabalenka. You can also read this other one about the new tennis stars or you can also check our Active section for other interesting notes.

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