Aryna Sabalenka says that Jessica Pegula is now experiencing an issue that she previously had with Iga Swiatek

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Aryna Sabalenka has extended her lead at the top of the WTA rankings after beating Jessica Pegula to win the Miami Open.

Sabalenka overcame Pegula to win her 19th WTA title, and first since the Brisbane International after losing both the Australian Open and Indian Wells finals.

After winning her first title at the Floridian WTA 1000 tournament, Sabalenka has received messages from Nick Kyrgios and many others congratulating her.

This victory continued the world number one’s dominance over her American opponent, with Sabalenka separating herself from Pegula over the past year.

Aryna Sabalenka says Jessica Pegula is now facing an issue that she previously had with Iga Swiatek

This is the third final that they have played over the past year, with Sabalenka also beating Pegula at the US Open.

With Pegula struggling against Sabalenka in Miami and losing all three of those finals in straight sets, comparisons have been made to the Belarusian’s rivalry with Swiatek.

When speaking in her post-match press conference, Sabalenka admitted that she could empathize with Pegula.

“Honestly, it’s always challenging playing her. She’s such a great player,” Sabalenka said about Pegula. “It’s never easy matches against her. I think every time we play against each other, it’s all about those few key points in each set. So it’s not like I’m winning it easily. It’s always a challenge playing her.

“But I know it’s tough to lose against one player all the time. I had this issue with Iga, so I know how it feels. But I think we all push each other to the next level, and we all improve from these tough lessons.

“So I’m excited facing her again, hopefully another final, and, I mean, of course I’m going to try my best to keep winning (smiling). I always enjoy our battles against each other.”

Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Pegula head-to-head

Despite Sabalenka leading Swiatek in the WTA rankings, it is the Pole who has the advantage in their head-to-head.

This is particularly prevalent in finals, with Sabalenka only winning one of their five championship matches.

Although both Sabalenka and Pegula trail these respective head-to-head’s, they both won the first meeting against Swiatek and Sabalenka, respectively.

Sabalenka won her most recent match with Swiatek at the Cincinnati Open, and will look to challenge her rival on her favorite surface in the coming months.

The next tournament that they could play one another is the Stuttgart Open, the tournament that has contributed to two of Swiatek’s final victories over Sabalenka.

Pegula will also be in Stuttgart as the fourth seed, but first will begin her clay court season at the Charleston Open.