Miami

World No. 4 Coco Gauff will take on defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s singles final of the Miami Open on Sunday, setting up a high-stakes clash between two of the sport’s biggest stars.

Gauff has battled her way to the final through a challenging draw, winning four of her last five matches in three sets. Her run included an impressive victory over Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals.

In contrast, Sabalenka has been dominant throughout the tournament, winning all her matches in straight sets. She enters the final in top form after defeating Elena Rybakina in the semifinals and recently clinching the Indian Wells title, her 10th WTA 1000 crown. A win in Miami would complete the coveted “Sunshine Double.”

The final will mark the 13th meeting between the two, with their head-to-head record evenly poised at 6-6. Their last encounter came at the 2025 WTA Finals, where Sabalenka won in straight sets. However, Gauff had earlier triumphed over the world No. 1 at the 2025 French Open, securing her maiden Roland Garros title.

Speaking ahead of the match, Sabalenka said she was excited for the contest, calling it a perfect final and acknowledging Gauff’s efforts to regain top form. Gauff, meanwhile, admitted she had struggled with confidence in recent months but is ready for the physical challenge, describing matches against Sabalenka as always intense.

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With both players evenly matched and in strong form, the final promises to be a gripping battle for the Miami Open crown.