Mon Mar 31 02:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Sabalenka Claims First Miami Open Title, Defeating Pegula in Thrilling Final
**MIAMI GARDENS, FL –** Aryna Sabalenka finally captured the elusive Miami Open title on Saturday, defeating Jessica Pegula in a compelling final, 7-5, 6-2. The victory marks Sabalenka’s 19th career title and her first in Miami, adding to her already impressive resume which includes three Grand Slam wins. The match was a rematch of the 2024 US Open final, which Sabalenka also won.
The Belarusian world No. 1 showcased her powerful forehand, recording 22 winners with the shot. Despite a rain delay that pushed back the start of the women’s final, Sabalenka dominated the latter stages of the first set, winning the last eight points to take it 7-5. While Pegula, playing in front of a supportive home crowd in Boca Raton, managed to break Sabalenka’s serve three times, Sabalenka’s own aggressive serving proved too much, breaking Pegula four times in the opening set. The second set saw Sabalenka continue her dominance, securing a comfortable 6-2 victory.
“Thank god the rain stopped,” Sabalenka said post-match, acknowledging the enthusiastic crowd. “It was like Miami was crying that I won this tournament. I enjoyed playing here, every minute of it.”
Pegula, though disappointed, showed grace in defeat. “Congrats to you, Aryna, and your team,” she said. “I really, really don’t want to like you right now. But, you know, you’re the best player in the world for a reason.”
The match also saw notable attendance, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell among the spectators. The men’s doubles final, which was initially interrupted by rain, was ultimately won by top seeds Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic, 7-6, 6-3.
First Piper 