Rivalry reignited: Defending champion Sabalenka faces Coco Gauff in Miami final

The Miami Open final promises fireworks as defending champion Aryna Sabalenka meets Coco Gauff today at Hard Rock Stadium. Their growing rivalry has been one of the most exciting stories in women’s tennis, with the two stars now tied 6-6 in their 13 previous encounters.

Gauff, the South Floridian who defeated Sabalenka in the 2023 U.S. Open and 2025 French Open finals , is making her first Miami Open final appearance . Until now, she had never gone past the fourth round in her hometown tournament. “She’s playing great tennis,” Gauff said of Sabalenka. “She’s world No. 1 for a reason. It’s going to be a great challenge.”

Sabalenka, the top-seeded Belarusian, is chasing the “Sunshine Double” , winning back-to-back March hard-court tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. She recently captured the Indian Wells title with a thrilling three-set victory over Elena Rybakina . “Coco is a fighter. We’ve had many tight matches and big finals. She’s incredible, and I’m excited to face her in the final,” Sabalenka said.

Gauff comes into Miami with determination, overcoming a nerve injury in her left forearm that forced her to retire at Indian Wells. “With Coco, you have to play an extra ball, she pushes you into long rallies,” Sabalenka added, praising her rival’s relentless style.

Adding local flavor to the match, Sabalenka now calls Miami home and enjoys strong support from Brazilian fans, thanks to her Brazilian fiancé, Georgios Frangules . “I’m curious to see the stadium today. It couldn’t be a better final,” she said.

As two of the world’s top players clash, today’s Miami Open final is set to be a thrilling spectacle for tennis fans everywhere.