WTA Miami Final Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff

Both Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff usually bring something special to the table when they face off on the court. Racket smashes, long rallies, but mainly, chaotic twists and turns. The pair will face off in the United States for the first time since their famous 2023 US Open clash, as surely Gauff, a Florida native, will want to win at home in the WTA Miami Open final. LWOT previews the Saturday matchup.

WTA Miami Final Prediction

Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff

Head-to-head: 6-6

The pair last met at the 2025 WTA Finals, with Sabalenka winning after a close first set. For much of Sabalenka’s Miami campaign, she’s been clinical after easing her way into her matches. The World No. 1’s hardest match in Miami, arguably, was her opening match against home favorite Ann Li; she won that match 7-6(5) 6-4. Sabalenka cruised past her other major rival Elena Rybakina in the Miami semifinals, winning 6-4 6-3.

Sabalenka also had the far better BNP Paribas Open campaign compared to the American, winning the title in a thriller against Rybakina. Gauff had to retire in the third round of that tournament. In the period encompassing the Australian Open and Miami Open, the American put together a lackluster 4-3 record on Tour.

Meanwhile, Gauff was shaky early in this tournament, dropping sets against underdogs like Alycia Parks and Sorana Cirstea. But the American has steadied her groundstrokes, defeating Karolina Muchova 6-1 6-1 in the semifinals.

In this matchup, Gauff has won two of the three meetings in a championship match, both Grand Slams. Overall, Gauff has a crafty game that can break down players when they are at their best. At times in this fierce rivalry, Gauff has brilliantly brought down Sabalenka to her absolute lowest. In front of a home crowd, the Florida native will be mentally ready to throw variety, drop shots and slices at the Belarusian’s powerful game.

Gauff did just that against Sabalenka in a thrilling 2025 French Open final. The challenge for the World No. 4 will be applying those tactics on faster courts, where Sabalenka can quickly apply pressure.

Playing for a Sunshine Double is a big challenge, something Sabalenka would achieve with a win. Yet having to extend a 11-match winning streak against 10,000 partisan fans may be an uphill battle for Sabalenka, even if she’s close to her top form. Look for Gauff to win an up-and-down nailbiter.
Prediction: Gauff in 3