Aryna Sabalenka arrives to Miami Open with viral championship flair

WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka‘s social media game is almost as good as her tennis one. The newly crowned Indian Wells champion arrived at the Miami Open with viral championship flair.

Sabalenka is the defending Miami Open champion. She loves playing in the United States, and next on her bucket list is the Sunshine Double. Winning Indian Wells and the Miami Open in the same year is known as capturing the Sunshine Double.

The last WTA player to do it was Iga Swiatek in 2022. Not even Serena Williams or Venus Williams accomplished this feat. Four women have: Steffi Graf (two times), Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, and Swiatek.

MORE: Coco Gauff provides injury update before Miami Open

The Sabalenka swagger is in full bloom

Sabalenka who recently adopted a puppy named Ash and got engaged at Indian Wells is loving life.

When she hangs up her racquet, she can easily transition into modeling, media, or acting given her gregarious personality.

In Miami, Sabalenka is on the same side of the draw as her most recent rival, Elena Rybakina. Though she defeated Rybakina at Indian Wells, she lost to her at last fall’s WTA Finals and the 2026 Australian Open in January.

MORE: Miami Open makes significant scheduling decision about Joao Fonseca first round match

Watch Sabalenka, the favorite to repeat at the Miami Open and win the Sunshine Double, on the Tennis Channel. Her opening match is on Thursday, in the Round of 64, against a yet to be determined opponent.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

NFL DRAFT: New Mel Kiper NFL mock draft shows major impact of free agency

MLB: Dodgers announce Shohei Ohtani’s spring training pitching debut

NHL: Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl out for regular season with lower-body injury

ENTERTAINMENT: Is ‘Bachelorette’ still airing amid Taylor Frankie Paul domestic dispute allegations?

VIRAL: Livvy Dunne shares ‘Baywatch’ training with BTS swimsuit, set photos