Aryna Sabalenka, the winner of the Miami Open in 2025, publicly apologised to her opponent, Jessica Pegula, after defeating her in the final match. Sabalenka secured a 7-5, 6-2 victory at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night, marking her second title of the year and her third consecutive win against Pegula in a final, following successes at the US Open and Cincinnati Open. During the trophy ceremony, Sabalenka expressed her respect for Pegula, acknowledging her as an incredible player who always pushes her to play her best. She went on to offer to share the trophy, prize money, and points with Pegula, stating, “I would definitely share it with you. You’re a great player.”
The 26-year-old Belarusian player thanked her team and reflected on the tournament’s weather conditions, expressing gratitude for their support throughout the Miami Open. She mentioned her appreciation for the sponsors and organisers, particularly highlighting James for treating the players exceptionally well. Sabalenka also extended heartfelt thanks to her team, referring to them as her family, and to her boyfriend for his support. She expressed joy in playing in front of her audience and friends, despite acknowledging that her speech might be the longest she has ever given.
In response to Sabalenka’s victory, Pegula, who suffered her third defeat at the hands of Sabalenka since mid-August, reluctantly praised her opponent’s consistency and skill. Pegula congratulated Sabalenka and her team on their performance, acknowledging Sabalenka as the best player in the world for a reason. She expressed her admiration for the level of tennis Sabalenka has displayed in recent tournaments and thanked her own team, family, and supporters for their unwavering backing.
The match between Sabalenka and Pegula showcased high-level tennis and sportsmanship, with both players acknowledging each other’s abilities and resilience on the court. Sabalenka’s gesture of offering to share her prize money with Pegula exemplified the spirit of fair play and camaraderie in sports. The Miami Open final not only highlighted Sabalenka’s dominance in women’s tennis but also showcased the respect and mutual admiration shared between competitors in the sport.
Sabalenka’s victory at the Miami Open further solidified her position as a top contender in women’s tennis, with her impressive performance and gracious attitude towards her opponents earning her praise from fans and fellow players alike. The exchange of words between Sabalenka and Pegula after the match exemplified the values of sportsmanship and respect that are integral to the game of tennis. As Sabalenka continues her successful season, her gestures of humility and generosity serve as a reminder of the importance of camaraderie and mutual respect in competitive sports.