Miami Open win puts Aryna Sabalenka within reach of Serena Williams record

Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Aryna Sabalenka has placed herself among tennis royalty after her Miami Open triumph. The world number one defeated Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in a tense final to secure back-to-back titles at the tournament. It was a performance built on composure and power.

Sabalenka held firm in the deciding set, avoiding the lapses that had previously cost her in similar matches against Gauff. Aryna Sabalenka joins elite WTA 1000 company Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images Her success in the Miami Open highlights her consistency at the highest level, adding another milestone to an already remarkable run. Sabalenka’s victory over Gauff delivered her 11th WTA 1000 crown, placing her alongside Swiatek in joint-third on the all-time winners list since the format began in 2009.

Only Serena Williams remains ahead with 13, but the Belarusian star’s age and current form suggest that record is within reach. Aryna Sabalenka completes rare Sunshine Double feat Sabalenka also became just the fifth woman to complete the Sunshine Double. Her Indian Wells and Miami Open titles put her name in an exclusive list alongside Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Iga Swiatek.

Graf achieved it in 1994 and 1996, Clijsters in 2005, Azarenka in 2016, and Swiatek in 2022. Sabalenka’s run was particularly dominant, dropping only two sets across 12 matches during the stretch. The 27-year-old is no longer chasing greatness, she is steadily securing her place among the sport’s all-time elite.