Aryna Sabalenka faces Coco Gauff in Miami Open championship match

Tennis Rivalry Heats Up as Sabalenka and Gauff Face Off in Miami Open Final

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will face off against Coco Gauff in the final of the Miami Open on Saturday at 3pm EDT. The match marks their 13th meeting, with the series currently tied at 6-6. This is Gauff’s first appearance in a Miami Open final, while Sabalenka has appeared in finals three times in 2025.

Gauff, a South Floridian, beat Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open finals. In their last meeting, Sabalenka won at the WTA Finals in November. Gauff described Sabalenka as “a great player” who is “playing great tennis.” Sabalenka praised Gauff’s determination, saying she is a “fighter” who pushes opponents into long rallies.

Sabalenka is attempting to win the “Sunshine Double,” winning back-to-back March hard-court tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. She won in California on March 15 with a three-set victory over Elena Rybakina. Gauff had to retire during her third-round match against Alexandra Eala in Indian Wells due to a nerve injury in her left forearm.

Gauff’s team initially wanted to skip the Miami Open, but she insisted on playing. Sabalenka noted that Gauff is known for pushing opponents into long rallies, making her difficult to beat. The final will take place at Hard Rock Stadium, with Sabalenka looking forward to a challenging match against Gauff.

Source: Al Jazeera