Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff renew their rivalry in the Miami Open as the World No 1 looks to complete a historic ‘Sunshine Double’ and the American looks to take inspiration from last season’s controversial Roland Garros final.
Sabalenka returned to the Miami Open final with a 6-4 6-3 victory over Elena Rybakina on Thursday, her second consecutive win over the World No 2 after saving match point to beat her in the Indian Wells final earlier this month. The defending champion is bidding for a third title of the year.
But Gauff, who thrashed the in-form Karolina Muchova 6-1 6-1 to reach her first Miami Open final, has previously given Sabalenka difficulty through her ability to retrieve and get the extra ball in play, such last season’s Paris final where Sabalenka complained about her style of play.
The fourth seed, 22, had yet to progress further than the fourth round of the Miami Open, which is played in her home state of Florida, before this season as she bids for the fourth WTA 1000 title of her young career and her first of the season.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, is bidding to become just the fifth woman to win Indian Wells and the Miami Open back-to-back, and the first since Iga Swiatek in 2022. Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Steffi Graf, who won the ‘Sunshine Double’ twice in 1994 and 1996, are the only other players to have achieved the feat.
Here’s everything you need to know
Aryna Sabalenka v Coco Gauff start time
The Miami Open women’s final will not start before 7pm GMT (UK time) on Saturday 28 March, following the men’s doubles final.
In the UK, the Miami Open is shown on Sky Sports.
Sabalenka v Gauff head-to-head
The overall head-to-head is level at six wins each. Sabalenka won their last meeting 7-6 6-2 at last season’s WTA Finals.
What has Sabalenka said about Gauff?
“She’s a fighter. We played a lot of tight matches, a lot of big finals. I think it’s going to be a great battle. I can’t wait to play that match.
“The rhythm is always different. It’s not like she’s forcing unforced errors. With Coco you know you have to play an extra ball and the ball always comes back.
“It’s not perfect but it’s always back on your side. You have to be aggressive and go for your shot. She pushes you into the long rallies and that’s what makes her more difficult.”
What has Gauff said about Sabalenka?
“We played so many matches. It’s physical every time when I play her. I know it’s going to be tough. She’s playing great tennis and is definitely world No 1 for a reason. It’s going to be a great challenge.”
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