The world number one delivered another strong performance, securing her place among a select group of players to achieve the Sunshine Double by winning both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season. She becomes the first woman to accomplish this feat since Iga Swiatek in 2022. Previous players to reach the same milestone include Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, and Steffi Graf.
Sabalenka's victory adds to an already impressive season. She has now claimed three WTA titles and won 23 of her 24 matches this year. Her only defeat came in the Australian Open final, where she lost to Elena Rybakina. Until this final, Rybakina had been the only player to take a set off Sabalenka in 2026.
After the match, Sabalenka reflected on her recent run, admitting she has had little time to fully process her achievements. She expressed pride in her performance and the effort she has put in, highlighting her mental strength during crucial moments in the final. She also praised Gauff for her resilience and ability to compete for every point.
The match itself was competitive. Sabalenka started strongly, breaking early and taking control of the first set with ease. Gauff responded in the second set, saving key break points and capitalizing on her opportunities to level the match. However, Sabalenka regained control in the deciding set, securing an early break that proved decisive. She closed out the match on her first championship point when Gauff sent a backhand wide.
Despite the loss, Gauff is set to climb to third in the world rankings, moving ahead of Swiatek. The 22-year-old continues to build on her strong performances, having previously defeated Sabalenka in Grand Slam finals.
In other results, British player Henry Patten and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara were defeated in the men's doubles final by Italian duo Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori.
Attention now turns to the men's final, where Jannik Sinner will face Jiri Lehecka as he looks to complete the same double.
