Aryna Sabalenka has made history by becoming the first WTA player since 2022 to complete the 'Sunshine Double'. After winning the Indian Wells title earlier this month, Sabalenka quickly adapted to the conditions at the Miami Open, defeating Qinwen Zheng and Elena Rybakina on her way to the final.

In the final, Sabalenka dropped her first set of the tournament against Coco Gauff, but ultimately prevailed, defeating the American 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. This victory makes her the first player to achieve the 'Sunshine Double' since Iga Swiatek in 2022.

Sabalenka has entered the record books alongside Steffi Graf, a 22-time Grand Slam champion. According to OptaAce, Sabalenka has become the player with the most consecutive titles claimed at the 'Sunshine Double' since both events were calendarized in 1989 after Steffi Graf. Graf won the Miami Open in 1994, defending her title in 1995. She also won Indian Wells in 1995, the tournament's first year as a Tier One WTA event.

Graf went on to win five consecutive 'Sunshine Double' titles after winning Miami and Indian Wells in 1996. Graf's run ended in 1997 as she did not compete in Indian Wells or Miami. Graf returned to Indian Wells in 1998, losing to Lindsay Davenport in the semi-finals. A year later, Graf returned to the Miami Open, reaching the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Venus Williams.

Graf ended her career with four Miami Open titles and one Indian Wells title. Sabalenka's victory at the 2024 Miami Open marks a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her position in the elite of women's tennis.

In her post-match press conference, Sabalenka praised her opponent, highlighting the difficulty of the matches with her. "Honestly, it's always challenging playing her. She's a great player. It's never easy matches against her. I think every time we play, it all comes down to those few key points in each set," said Sabalenka. Sabalenka won her first Miami Open title the previous year, defeating American star Jessica Pegula in the final, with a score of 7-5, 6-2.

Sabalenka also added: "So it's not like I'm winning 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 to face her again, hopefully in another final, and, of course, I'm going to try my best to keep winning (smiling). I always enjoy our battles against each other".