Aryna Sabalenka set to achieve historic first for women’s tennis after Miami Open win
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images Sabalenka completes historic Sunshine Double with Miami Open win. Aryna Sabalenka has added another title to her collection, taking home the Miami Open crown just weeks after winning Indian Wells. It was the perfect finish to an incredible stretch of tennis for the world number one, who has made quite an impression both on and off the court in recent weeks.
She’s certainly not lacking motivation heading into the next phase of the season, with clay-court events now fast approaching. There’s also a historic achievement within reach. If Sabalenka can carry her form through the clay season, she’ll have a chance to do something no player in women’s tennis has ever done before – though she’ll need to wait until after those matches wrap up before it becomes official.
Sabalenka is chasing an American sweep Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images Bastien Fachan pointed out on social media that Sabalenka is in a position to accomplish something no woman has ever accomplished before. She’ll have to wait until August for her next opportunity, which comes at a tournament where she’s already tasted success. No player has ever held all four major American hard-court titles at the same time: Indian Wells, Miami, Cincinnati, and the US Open.
With three of those already hers between 2023 and 2024, Sabalenka only needs to add Cincinnati to complete a unique sweep. Sabalenka’s next step is turning WTA success into Slam wins While WTA titles, especially at the 1000 level, are always valuable, Sabalenka knows her record in Grand Slam finals isn’t where it needs to be. And although tennis success goes beyond just major wins, Grand Slam trophies do shape how players are remembered.
The Belarusian has been a consistent force on the tour for several years now, but despite reaching eight finals and another six semi-finals, she has just four majors to her name. Turning those deep runs into more Grand Slam titles is what she needs to truly cement her status among the game’s legends. Even now, Sabalenka will be remembered as one of the standout players of her era.