Aryna Sabalenka has made history by becoming one of the few players to exceed 10,000 points in the WTA rankings, following her victory at the Miami Open. In the final, she faced fourth-seed Jessica Pegula, and secured her first Miami title with a convincing score of 7-5, 6-2, mirroring their encounter in the 2024 US Open final.
Entering the match with an impressive 18 titles, Sabalenka showcased her powerful forehand, landing 24 winners to claim the AUD 1.75 million prize. With this win, she solidifies her position in the sport, now ranking fifth all-time with 10,541 points, behind legends like Serena Williams and Iga Swiatek.
During the trophy ceremony, Sabalenka expressed her emotional connection to the win, joking, “Thank God the rain stopped,” and remarked that it felt like “Miami was crying that I won this tournament.” The 26-year-old, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has enjoyed a strong start to the year, reaching finals in four of six events, and finally clinching her second title of the season in Miami, after previous losses in major finals.
Sabalenka remarked on her performance, saying she was pleased to play her best tennis when it mattered most, and basked in the celebratory atmosphere, promising her team a fun break following their hard work. Meanwhile, Pegula praised Sabalenka’s exceptional play, acknowledging her as “the best player in the world for a reason.”
Both players struggled with service games initially, but Sabalenka’s crucial breaks led her to secure the first set. The Belarusian now holds a 7-2 advantage in their head-to-head encounters, making her recent dominance on hard courts evident. Pegula reflected on the challenge Sabalenka presents, adding some frustration at not being able to clinch victory in their encounters.
As she prepares for the upcoming clay season, Sabalenka is set to enjoy the next fortnight in Miami, indulging in some well-deserved relaxation and celebrating a career-defining moment before resuming her competitive edge.