Aryna Sabalenka has just clinched her 24th career WTA title after winning the Miami Open final against Coco Gauff.
Sabalenka beat Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in Miami, with the two rivals having battled it out on the court for more than two hours.
Having also won Indian Wells this season, Sabalenka is now a Sunshine Double champion, becoming the fifth woman to achieve the feat.
Her form has sent a real warning to her rivals, with the WTA number one now reaching the finals of the four tournaments she has played in 2026, winning three.
But her comments after her Miami Open title should also worry rivals, with Sabalenka issuing a strong warning that she is both highly motivated in finals, and far from finished in her career.
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Aryna Sabalenka’s post-Miami comments should worry her WTA rivals
Sharing how she stays motivated after defeating Gauff in the final of the Miami Open, Sabalenka said: “I hate losing.
“I hate that feeling when you lose the match. I cannot sleep. I dream tennis. I hate myself for making several mistakes that cost me a match.
“I hate that feeling and just because of that whenever I go out there, I just really try my best and I try to do everything that is possible and impossible to get the win.
“Motivation… I’m not even close to the legends. What do you mean what’s my motivation?
“I’m just trying to go as far as possible in this sport and to inspire the next generation, and to be a good example for the next generation, and show this balance off and on the court.
“And just to help people to be healthy in this really tough and challenging environment.”
It’s such a powerful mindset from Sabalenka, and one that many champions who have come before her have had, both in and out of tennis.
Such determination has already helped her achieve so much success, but it’s clear that she still wants so much more.
Aryna Sabalenka continues WTA dominance with Miami Open title
The WTA is undoubtedly enjoying a golden era right now, typified by the top four players representing the four reigning Grand Slam champions.
Sabalenka holds the US Open title from 2025, doing so after Gauff won the French Open and Iga Swiatek won Wimbledon.
This year, Elena Rybakina clinched the Australian Open title, defeating Sabalenka in the final in Melbourne.
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That represents the Belarusian’s only loss this season, with her record now standing at a stunning 23 wins and one defeat.
She’s clearly the dominant force in women’s tennis right now, and enters the clay-court swing with a target on her back.
Her Sunshine Double success will give her a massive confidence boost ahead of the swing, along with her latest rankings efforts.
| Year | Titles | Tournaments |
| 2026 | 3 | Miami Open, Indian Wells, Brisbane |
| 2025 | 4 | US Open, Madrid, Miami, Brisbane |
| 2024 | 4 | Wuhan, US Open, Cincinnati, Australian Open |
| 2023 | 3 | Adelaide #1, Australian Open, Madrid |
| 2021 | 2 | Abu Dhabi, Madrid |
| 2020 | 3 | Doha, Ostrava, Linz |
| 2019 | 3 | Shenzhen, Wuhan, Zhuhai |
| 2018 | 2 | New Haven, Wuhan |
The 27-year-old is set to hold the top ranking for the 76th successive week, which will surpass the longest streak of her current rival Swiatek.
Her stunning honors list now includes 11 WTA 1000 titles, along with four Grand Slam titles and 83 weeks spent at number one.
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