Aryna Sabalenka immediately offered to share her winner’s purse with opponent Jessica Pegula after securing the Miami Open title last year. The tournament has returned to the Hard Rock Stadium and is set to conclude this weekend.

World No.1 Sabalenka is the current reigning champion after producing a straight-sets 7-5, 6-2 victory over Pegula. The result was a blow for the American runner-up, who is based in Florida, to lose on home soil and continued a frustrating pattern. The pair had previously met in the US Open final and Cincinnati Open final in 2024, with Sabalenka triumphing on both occasions. After making it three championship victories in a row, the Belarusian ace showed compassion for the Miami Open finalist and spoke about splitting her £844,000 ($1.1million) prize money.

“First of all Jess, I’m so sorry, for real. If I could share the trophy with someone, trophy, prize money, points, everything – I would definitely share it with you,” Sabalenka said post-match. “I’m sorry for that.

“You’re an incredible player, you always push me so hard to play my best. You’re a great player. Congrats to you and your team on an incredible couple of weeks. I always enjoy playing against you, it’s always great battles, great matches, great level of tennis.

“Continue doing what you’re doing and I’m pretty sure we’re going to play many more finals. I’m not sure about the results because I honestly don’t want to lose in the finals, it sucks I know! But I always enjoy playing against you.

“You’re an incredible person, player, thank you so much. Wow that was long, you see how much I like this girl!” The Miami Open winner added: “Thank you that the rain stopped – it felt like Miami was crying that I won this tournament.”

Pegula was quick to praise her opponent in defeat. “First obviously congrats Aryna to you and your team,” she said. “Three finals, it’s… I really, really don’t want to like you right now. But you’re the best player in the world for a reason. You keep pushing everybody and challenging everybody to get better.”

Sabalenka subsequently defeated Pegula in the US Open semi-finals last year. However, the world No.5 did claim a win back to reach the Wuhan Open final in October.

Since losing in Miami, Pegula has secured three WTA titles, most recently winning the Dubai Championships in February. Meanwhile, Sabalenka has added four championships to her career tally. The 27-year-old has made a strong start to 2026, reaching the Australian Open final in January and winning Indian Wells earlier this month.