In Miami Gardens, Florida, the tennis arena buzzed with anticipation as Aryna Sabalenka, boasting an impressive tally of 18 career titles, squared off against Jessica Pegula in the Miami Open final. Despite Sabalenka’s decorated career, this particular title had always slipped through her fingers—until now.
Facing off against the American fourth seed and replaying their 2024 US Open final clash, Sabalenka, the top seed from Belarus, emerged victorious with a 7-5, 6-2 win. She masterfully wielded her forehand, racking up 22 winners on that wing alone, earning the $1.1 million prize. The match ended with a decisive backhand passing shot, prompting Sabalenka to raise her hands triumphantly to the skies.
Acknowledging the weather’s temperament, Sabalenka humorously remarked, “Thank god the rain stopped. It was like Miami was crying that I won this tournament,” expressing her delight in competing in such a vibrant setting.
In her storied career, the three-time Grand Slam champion had previously bested Pegula in straight sets at the US Open. However, Sabalenka’s luck seemed to have waned in 2025 finals, falling short in several high-stakes matches. Despite reaching the finals in four out of six events that year, she’d only clinched the title in Brisbane before her Miami triumph, suffering losses at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.
Living in Miami had its perks for Sabalenka, yet it was Pegula who enjoyed the backing of the local crowd, hailing from nearby Boca Raton. Pegula, at 31, shares deep ties to Buffalo, being the daughter of Terry Pegula, the owner of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. The occasion even drew in NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, as the league’s owners’ meetings were slated for Palm Beach.
Taking her runner-up trophy, Pegula sportingly acknowledged Sabalenka’s prowess: “Congrats to you, Aryna, and your team. I really, really don’t want to like you right now. But, you know, you’re the best player in the world for a reason. And you keep pushing everybody and everyone to get better.”
The opening set was a seesaw battle, with neither player able to maintain serve consistently. Sabalenka broke Pegula’s serve four times, snatching the set 7-5 after an eight-point streak. Despite Pegula’s early break at 3-2, she couldn’t solidify her advantage as Sabalenka fought back, holding serve at love for a 6-5 lead before breaking Pegula again with a series of winners.
With Sabalenka dominating their head-to-head record—leading 7-2 and claiming victory in their last three encounters—this Miami win adds another chapter to her growing legacy.
Earlier in the event, the men’s doubles final was interrupted by rain with Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic in the lead against Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool. Upon resuming, Arevalo and Pavic swiftly secured victory 7-6, 6-3, albeit causing the women’s final to start over an hour behind schedule.
This report was further enriched by contributions from The Associated Press.
