Sabalenka and Gauff set records with Miami Open final clash

Several historic milestones have occurred as Aryna Sabalenka beat Coco Gauff in the Miami Open final, with women's tennis on the rise.

Sabalenka beat Gauff in three sets, as the American battled with the World No. 1 in front of her home crowd. Ultimately, Sabalenka continued her recent dominance after winning Indian Wells last month, completing the 'Sunshine Double' and joining an elite list.

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Gauff's run to the final offered hope for the rest of the tennis season, with three Grand Slams remaining in the schedule. Viewership records were broken during the Indian Wells women's final between Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, and it's already been surpassed by the Miami Open final.

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Tennis Channel announced that the live coverage of the Miami Open women's final between Sabalenka and Gauff set a new all-time record for the network. Both finals are now the two most-watched women's matches in Tennis Channel history.

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However, it wasn't just the network reaping the rewards, as the Miami Open set new attendance records. The Sabalenka-Gauff final drew the largest crowd of all time for a WTA Final in North America. The Miami Open also welcomed a record 420,118 fans throughout the tournament.

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After clinching the Miami Open trophy, Sabalenka reflected on life as a dominant World No. 1 who recently celebrated getting engaged to Georgios Frangulis. "What a month! It was really tough to keep up this pace: I adopted a dog, I got engaged, and I won the Sunshine Double," she said.

"Yes, it seems incredible, doesn't it? Now, I feel like I'm living the life I've always dreamed of."

Despite winning both competitions, Sabalenka has no plans to ease off the gas and sent a warning to her WTA rivals after admitting that her winning streak has made her even more determined not to lose.

"I hate losing. I hate that feeling when you lose the match," Sabalenka explained. "I cannot sleep. I dream tennis. I hate myself for making several mistakes that cost me a match.

"I hate that feeling and just because of that whenever I go out there, I just really try my best and I try to do everything that is possible and impossible to get the win.

"Motivation… I’m not even close to the legends. What do you mean what’s my motivation?

"I’m just trying to go as far as possible in this sport and to inspire the next generation, and to be a good example for the next generation, and show this balance off and on the court. And just to help people to be healthy in this really tough and challenging environment."

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