“I’m not proud”: Aryna Sabalenka apologises after angry exchange in Miami Open final win over Coco Gauff

Sunday, 29 March 2026 at 01:00

Aryna Sabalenka used her Miami Open victory speech to address an on-court incident, admitting she was “not proud” of her reaction to a spectator during the final against Coco Gauff. The World No. 1, who defeated Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to secure the title, acknowledged that her response in the early stages of the match crossed a line in a moment shaped by tension and crowd involvement.

The incident occurred within the opening games of the match, when Sabalenka reacted visibly to a vocal supporter in the stands. With Gauff playing on home soil and backed by a partisan crowd inside Hard Rock Stadium, the Belarusian appeared unsettled by repeated calls during key points, including encouragement from individuals close to her opponent.

Sabalenka later described her reaction as “angry” and used the trophy ceremony to directly address the situation, offering a measured apology while also maintaining her position on the disruption. The moment added an additional layer to a final already defined by shifting momentum and external pressure.

In her speech, Sabalenka adopted a conciliatory tone, stating that responsibility lay on both sides and seeking to close the episode publicly. The exchange, though brief, reflected the intensity of the contest and the emotional demands of competing in a high-stakes final against a home favourite.

Match defined by tension and momentum swings

Despite the early distraction, Sabalenka established control quickly, breaking in the opening game and moving through the first set with authority. Her aggressive baseline play and first-serve consistency allowed her to dictate rallies, limiting Gauff’s ability to extend points and forcing errors under pressure.

Gauff responded in the second set, showing improved resilience on serve and saving break points at critical moments. The American capitalised on a late opportunity, converting a set point on Sabalenka’s serve to level the match and shift the dynamic heading into a deciding set.

Sabalenka regained control early in the third, securing a decisive break in the opening game. From there, she managed the match with greater composure, closing out the contest on her first match point after Gauff sent a backhand wide.

Apology during trophy ceremony

In her post-match speech, Sabalenka first acknowledged Gauff’s performance, describing her as a “fighter” who had “pushed me so hard to be a better player,” while also referencing their developing rivalry. The tone then shifted as she addressed the earlier exchange with a spectator directly. “Where you are, that lady that yelled, that hoped for the out — I shouldn’t have been that rude. But come on, you cannot do that. So let’s agree that we both were wrong. Sorry.”

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The Belarusian also thanked the crowd for creating what she described as an “incredible atmosphere,” recognising the full stadium and the energy brought to the final despite the earlier tension. “Thank you, guys, for an incredible atmosphere. You always bring incredible vibes, and a full stadium for our final — thank you so much.”

She concluded by acknowledging her team and close circle, emphasising their role in her continued development as both a player and a person. “Thank you so much for being with me, for making me a better player and a better person… you guys are the best, that’s for sure.”

Dominant season reinforced with Sunshine Double

The victory extends Sabalenka’s commanding start to the 2026 season, with the Belarusian now holding three titles and a 23–1 record. Her only defeat came in the Australian Open final, and she has otherwise maintained consistent dominance across surfaces.

By completing the Sunshine Double, Sabalenka joins a select group of players — Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Iga Swiatek — to win both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season. The achievement underlines her current position at the top of the women’s game.

The Miami title also marks the 24th WTA singles title of her career and her second consecutive victory at the event. She becomes the first player to defend the title since Ashleigh Barty and the first to do so in consecutive editions since Serena Williams’ run between 2013 and 2015.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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