By Tony FairbairnAryna Sabalenka [1] v Coco Gauff [4]H2H: Tied at 6-6MIAMI, USA – Coco Gauff looks to stop Aryna Sabalenka’s attempt at winning the sunshine double when the pair meet in the Miami final.
Aryna Sabalenka [1] v Coco Gauff [4] H2H & Match Fundamentals
A truly dominant tournament from Aryna Sabalenka so far and the evidence for that is her straight sets win over her nearest rival Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals. Now, Sabalenka has her sights set on a first sunshine double of her career in what would be the perfect way to enter the clay court season. Standing in Sabalenka’s way of glory at the Miami Open is Coco Gauff who is into her first final in Florida after semi-final victory over Karolina Muchova.
Aryna Sabalenka [1] v Coco Gauff [4]H2H: Tied at 6-6 Indian Wells 2026 Indian Wells, USA Hard (O) Prize Money: $612,340/$1,151,380Second on Stadium (Not before 19:00 GMT)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
Sabalenka has yet to drop a set on her way to the final while Gauff has been clutch in the pressure moments on her way to a first Miami Open final.
Aryna Sabalenka [1] route to the final
R1: BYE
R2: Ann Li 7-6(5) 6-2
R3: Caty McNally 6-4 6-2
R4: Qinwen Zheng [23] 6-3 6-4
QF: Hailey Baptiste 6-4 6-4
SF: Elena Rybakina [3] 6-4 6-3
Coco Gauff [4] route to the final
R1: BYE
R2: Elisabetta Cocciaretto 3-6 6-4 6-3
R3: Alycia Parks 3-6 6-0 6-1
R4: Sorana Cirstea 6-4 3-6 6-2
QF: Belinda Bencic [12] 6-3 1-6 6-3
SF: Karolina Muchova [14] 6-1 6-1
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)H2H:Aryna Sabalenka (WR 1) Coco Gauff (WR 4) Tournament Previous BestChampion (2025) R4 (2022, 2024, 2025) 1st Serve Return Points Won %37.343.5Return Points Won %45.249.3Break Point Conversion %44.453.1Break Point Saved %66.151.3Total Points Won %5452.9
Gauff has been highly efficient on return but that will be put to the test against Sabalenka’s clutch serving in big points.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Another dominant performance from Sabalenka against rival Rybakina sees the world number one on the verge of a big milestone.
The sunshine double is nearly complete as Sabalenka also targets a successful title defence in Miami.
After her win over Rybakina, Sabalenka was delighted with her performance and admitted the final will be a battle.
“I think I did everything right, and she played great, but I think I pushed her so much and I’m proud of this win,” Sabalenka told the WTA website.
“It’s always tough physically, mentally, and I’m happy to get another win against her. I really enjoy our rivalry. She’s an incredible player, always pushing me to the limit, and you know, with her, you always have to bring your best tennis.
“A lot of rallies, a lot of emotions, a lot of aggression, a lot of fun. It’s going to be a battle and I’m super excited to play her in another final.”
Standing in Sabalenka’s way is Gauff who is into her first Miami Open final after battling through the draw.
The American would love nothing more than to prepare for her Roland Garros title defence with a title in Miami.
Ahead of the final Gauff admitted that her game is starting to click into gear as she bids for a first title in Florida.
“I had some tough matches this year, but it’s better than last year,” Gauff told the WTA website.
“I think it just comes with growing my game and trying to make my game more sound, and I think I feel the improvements are happening — especially with my forehand — I was happy with how it’s been this whole tournament.
“I said earlier that I’ve been practicing well and I’ve just been waiting for it to click. I think it’s not obviously fully clicked, but I think it is clicking.”
Sabalenka will continue to take the forehand early while her serve under pressure will be key to winning this match.
Meanwhile, Gauff will aim for deep and accurate returning to pin Sabalenka behind the baseline while using her variety to test Sabalenka’s decision-making.
The key for Gauff will be to test Sabalenka’s rally tolerance on the big points and try to frustrate the world number one as much as possible.
While Gauff will certainly test Sabalenka, the defending champion should have too much consistent quality and will complete the sunshine double.
Prediction: Sabalenka in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow Miami 2026