World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka won her first Miami Open title with a dominant 7-5, 6-2 win over American Jessica Pegula in Saturday’s final at Hard Rock Stadium. The victory is Sabalenka’s second title this season, following her win in Brisbane this year.
Still stung by her recent defeat in the Indian Wells final to the 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva, Sabalenka fought back to find her composed self. “Winning this trophy is super special,” she said, noting Pegula’s formidable challenge.
The first set featured both players struggling to hold serve, with Pegula rattling Sabalenka by bringing her to the net. But at 6-5 the momentum swung the way of the Belarusian as she produced a delicate forehand drop shot and a brilliant down-the-line winner to take the set.
After an early break in the second set, Sabalenka quickly regained her grip, breaking twice to take a 3-1 lead. From there she never looked back, sealing the victory in one hour and 27 minutes.
Pegula, playing in her third final against Sabalenka, has yet to beat her in a title clash. As for Sabalenka’s victory, it further cements her status as she builds on an impressive start to her 2024 season.
