Aryna Sabalenka claims first Miami Open title with straight-sets victory

In Miami Gardens, Florida, on March 29, 2025, Aryna Sabalenka faced Jessica Pegula in the Miami Open final. This match marked a pivotal moment for Sabalenka, who had previously reached the finals of multiple events but had not secured the Miami Open crown. The match took place at Hard Rock Stadium, where Sabalenka entered as the top seed and with 18 career titles already to her name. The match was a display of intense competition, notable for its dramatic twists and turns. Throughout the first set, both players struggled with their serves. Sabalenka broke Pegula's serve four times to clinch the first set 7-5, marking a crucial win after a hard-fought battle where both players exchanged breaks of serve. Pegula managed to break Sabalenka's serve three times but ultimately could not maintain her lead. The momentum shifted when Sabalenka won the last eight points of the first set, demonstrating her resilience and determination. In the second set, Sabalenka continued her dominant performance, breaking Pegula's serve early to establish control. She displayed an impressive mix of power and precision, and though Pegula attempted to rally back, Sabalenka was relentless. The match concluded with a backhand passing shot from Sabalenka, sealing her victory and her place in the tournament's history. This victory was significant for Sabalenka as it marked her 19th career title, and it reflects her continued dominance in women's tennis. After the match, she expressed her emotional connection to the win, referencing the weather and her personal triumph over the challenges she faced leading up to this event. Sabalenka's victory solidifies her status as one of the elite players in her sport and brings her season total to 23 wins.