World number one Aryna Sabalenka won the Miami Open on Saturday, defeating American Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-2 in the WTA 1000 event at Hard Rock Stadium. The Belarusian won her first title in Miami and her second of the season, following her victory in Brisbane in January. Sabalenka, who lost the final in Indian Wells to Russian 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva earlier this month, was desperate not to fall short again. “I’m very happy to have this trophy; I was able to play my best tennis in the final,” Sabalenka said, praising Pegula’s performance after repeating her victory over her in last year’s US Open final.
Both players struggled to hold their serve in the first set, which saw seven breaks of serve, with Pegula causing Sabalenka some trouble when she brought her up to the net.
But the momentum shifted when Pegula was serving to stay in the set at 6-5 down and Sabalenka turned it on, producing a delicate forehand drop and then a superb down the line winner to take the set.
Once she recovered from being broken on her first service game of the second set, it was easier going for Sabalenka, whose bid for a third straight Australian Open title was thwarted in the Melbourne final by Madison Keys earlier this year.
Sabalenka broke twice to go 3-1 up and never looked in danger from that point on as she wrapped up the win in one hour 27 minutes.
“I think I was able to completely forget about (it being) the final, about the outside things and I was just so focused on the game,” said Sabalenka.
In her last 14 matches against top 10 players, Sabalenka has won 12 and she credited her ability in the clutch moments for her record.
“It is all about those key moments of the match, about playing aggressive and staying with the game plan, going for shots without being afraid of losing the point,” she said.
It was the third time that Pegula has faced Sabalenka in a final and she has lost on all three occasions.
“I consider myself one of the world’s best hard-court players, but she’s probably the best,” Pegula conceded after the match.
Raising her level
“She just keeps … raising her level in key moments of the match when she needs to, and I feel like that was the big difference today and the last few times I have played her,” she added
But Pegula, the world number four, said she was pleased to again have been a serious contender in a tournament.
“Happy to be in another big 1000 final and having consistent results and keep going deep in tournaments. The reason we play is to put ourselves in good chances to win these events. I was able to do that the last couple weeks,” she said.
The 26-year-old Sabalenka has now won eight WTA 1000 titles and 19 titles on the WTA Tour overall – 17 of which have come on hard courts including all three of her Grand Slam singles titles — the 2023 Australian Open, the 2024 Australian Open and the 2024 US Open.
She looks a calmer, more focused, presence on court than in her earlier seasons when she was capable of bouts of rage when the going got tough.
“I think before, every time I would lose my serve, one game, I could just completely lose the match because I would still be thinking about that first game,” she said.
Sabalenka said that her struggles in the past with her serve had allowed her to develop a stronger all-round game and more positive mentality.
“When I was struggling with my serve I had to push myself on the return and had to play with something else. So now, every time I am losing (serve) I know that I have weapons, that I can return well and that I can break back,” she said.
“I think that challenge really helped me to be more focused and not get too crazy on court after losing a game on my serve,” she added.
Aryna Sabalenka had some heartwarming words for Jessica Pegula after beating the American in the 2025 Miami Open final. The World No. 1 delivered a touching speech dedicated to Pegula before poking fun at herself for how long she spoke.
After suffering a devastating loss to Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final, Pegula was hoping to avenge her defeat in the title clash at the WTA 1000 event. However, the Belarusian delivered a stellar performance to claim a 7-5, 6-2 victory in one hour and 28 minutes, clinching her first Miami Open title and extending her winning record against Pegula to 7-2.
During the trophy ceremony, Aryna Sabalenka apologised to Jessica Pegula and expressed her willingness to share the trophy, ranking points, and prize money with the American. She also praised Pegula as a fantastic player and adversary who continuously challenged her to give her all.
“First of all Jess I’m so sorry. For real. If I could share the trophy with someone, trophy, prize money, points, everything, I would definitely share it with you. I’m sorry for that, but you’re an incredible player. You always push me so hard to play my best. I mean, you’re a great player,” Sabalenka said.
Furthermore, the World No. 1 graciously congratulated Pegula and her team for her impressive run at the Miami Open. Sabalenka also shared that she expected them to lock horns in many more finals and made the 31-year-old crack up by teasing her over the potential results of those matchups.
“Congrats to you and your team on the incredible couple of weeks and I always enjoy playing against you. It’s always great battles, great matches, great level of tennis and continue doing what you’re doing and I’m pretty sure we’re gonna play many more finals,” she said.
“I’m not sure about the result because honestly I don’t want to lose the finals. It sucks, I know, but I obviously enjoy playing against you. You’re an incredible person, player. Thank you so much. Well, that was long. See how much I like this girl,” she added.
Jessica Pegula maintained a positive attitude despite losing to Aryna Sabalenka in three straight finals. Nonetheless, she declared that the Belarussian was the finest player in the world and congratulated her on her win.
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