3 ways Aryna Sabalenka is rewriting tennis history with Sunshine Double win

Aryna Sabalenka is the Miami Open champion, two weeks after winning Indian Wells. That makes her the Sunshine Double winner, a feat that is difficult to accomplish. Few have done it in tennis.

With her 24th title win, the four-time Grand Slam champion is cementing her legacy as one of the best women’s players, especially on hardcourts, in the history of the game.

Sabalenka, who recently got a dog named Ash and became engaged at Indian Wells, enjoys playing in the United States. She showed steely resolve and her excellent all around game in Saturday’s win over Coco Gauff.

Sabalenka is 5th women’s player to win Sunshine Double

Sabalenka joins four other players to win the Sunshine Double since its inception in 1985. Steffi Graf won it twice, an accomplishment that Sabalenka will try to match next year.

Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, and Iga Swiatek are the other Sunshine Double champions.

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Sabalenka is 1st player to complete singles and doubles Sunshine Double

Before Sabalenka became dominant in singles, she was a successful doubles player with partner Elise Mertens. The pair won the Sunshine Double in 2019. She won six doubles titles including two Grand Slams with Mertens.

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Could be 1st player to win all major US hardcourt titles in 12 months

The four major (WTA 1000 or Grand Slam) US hardcourt titles are the Indian Wells Open, Miami Open, Cincinnati Open, and US Open.

As the reigning US Open, Indian Wells, and Miami champion, Sabalenka could hold all four titles within a one year timespan if she wins the Cincinnati Open in August.

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