Aryna Sabalenka put her finals frustration behind her in emphatic fashion, defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to claim the Miami Open title. The world No. 1, who had lost her previous two championship matches, delivered a powerful and composed performance, overpowering her American opponent in front of a partisan crowd in South Florida.
Both players struggled to hold serve early, their aggressive return games dictating the tempo. But when it mattered most, Sabalenka found another gear. The Belarusian secured the first set with a late break, showcasing the all-court game that has transformed her from a baseline powerhouse into a more versatile, complete competitor.
“I didn’t want to lose another final” Sabalenka admitted with a laugh during the trophy ceremony.
Pegula, who has now lost three major finals to Sabalenka in eight months, fought hard but couldn’t match the relentless power of her opponent. The American had pushed the world No. 1 in previous encounters, but the results have remained the same. Sabalenka won their Cincinnati and US Open finals last year and proved once again that she thrives on the biggest stages.
The second set saw Sabalenka take control with a blistering backhand winner to break for 3-1. From there, she never looked back, finishing the match in style with a backhand passing shot that left Pegula helpless at the net. Dropping her racket, Sabalenka turned to her team, arms raised in triumph.
Her dominance on hard courts has been undeniable, she has now won the Australian Open, Cincinnati, and Miami in the past year. With the clay and grass seasons ahead, the question is whether Sabalenka can extend her success beyond her favored surface.
