Aryna Sabalenka delivered a commanding performance in the Miami Open final, securing a straight-sets victory of 7-5, 6-2 against American player Jessica Pegula.
Sabalenka started strongly, breaking Pegula`s serve to take an early 2-0 lead. However, Pegula, who had previously ended British player Emma Raducanu`s impressive run in the quarter-finals, responded by winning the next three games.
Despite Pegula`s fightback, Sabalenka regained control, moving ahead to 5-3. She then faced a setback while serving for the set, allowing Pegula to level the score once again.
Pegula, who had a challenging record against Sabalenka with six losses in their previous eight encounters, showed vulnerability on her serve. She won only a small fraction of her second serve points in the first set. Ultimately, another service break for Sabalenka secured her the first set.
At the beginning of the second set, Sabalenka`s momentum wavered slightly as she conceded her serve. However, she quickly reasserted her dominance.
Pegula`s confidence appeared to diminish as Sabalenka won four consecutive games. A decisive backhand winner down the line sealed the match and the Miami Open title for Sabalenka.
Throughout the entire tournament, Sabalenka did not lose a single set. This Miami Open victory marks her second title as the world number one, following her win at the Brisbane International in January.
Sabalenka reflected after the match, stating she was focused on playing point by point, especially after tough final losses previously. She expressed her happiness with this Miami title, her first.
In the men`s doubles final, there was disappointment for the British team Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool. Top seeds Marcelo Arevalo-Gonzalez and Mate Pavic won in straight sets, 7-6 (3), 6-3.
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