Sabalenka is aiming for tennis’ “Sunshine Double,” while Gauff, a Florida native, is reaching the finals for the first time.
Published March 28, 2026
Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are back on the big stage in the Miami Open finals as their growing rivalry heats up.
Gauff, the South Floridian who defeated Sabalenka in the 2023 U.S. Open and 2025 French Open finals, will face the top-seeded Belarusian at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.
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This WTA 1000 final was the 13th meeting between them, with the series tied at 6 wins and 6 losses. The two faced each other three times in the 2025 finals, with Sabalenka winning their final meeting in the group stage of the WTA Finals in November.
“We’ve had a lot of matches, and every time we play against her, it’s draining,” Gauff said. “She’s playing great tennis. There’s a reason she’s number one in the world and it’s going to be a great challenge.”
Gauff will be advancing to the Miami Open final for the first time. The Delray Beach, Florida, product had never made it past the fourth round in a local tournament.
“She’s a fighter,” Sabalenka said. We fought a lot of close games and played a lot of big finals. She’s an incredible player. I’m really excited to play against her in the final. I think it will be a great battle. I can’t wait to play it. ”
Sabalenka is aiming to win the Sunshine Double, a hard court tournament that will be held back-to-back in March in Indian Wells and Miami.
Sabalenka won the title on March 15 in California with a three-set victory over Elena Rybakina. Gauff was forced to withdraw from her third round match against Alexandra Ella in Indian Wells due to nerve damage in her left forearm. Gauff said her team wanted her to miss the Miami Open, but she insisted.
“With Coco, we know that we have to play the extra ball. The ball always comes back. Sometimes it’s not perfect, but the ball always comes back to our side,” Sabalenka said. “I think that’s what makes it difficult for her because she pushes you into long rallies.”
Sabalenka’s new home is Miami, where she has a strong Brazilian following thanks to her Brazilian fiancé, Georgios Frangulus.
Sabalenka said: “I’m very interested to see what happens in the stadium on Saturday. There can’t be a better final than this.” I’m glad she’s getting back into tennis. ”
