Coco Gauff told key tactics to beat Sabalenka in Miami final

The Miami Open final between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka is set for later today, adding another chapter to a rivalry that’s become one of the most compelling on tour.

While Sabalenka’s form over the past year makes her the clear favourite heading into this one, it’s never quite that simple when these two meet.

The world number one has more power, precision, and a stronger serve, but there’s always something about facing Gauff that seems to unsettle her just enough to make things interesting.

Danielle Collins spoke about this on Tennis Channel yesterday, offering a clear view of what Gauff needs to do if she wants to pull off the upset.

Coco Gauff told what she must do to beat Aryna Sabalenka in the Miami Open final

Collins started by pointing out their level head-to-head record as a positive for Gauff, saying: “They have split those matches, but Coco has come up clutch in some of those finals.”

She went on to explain: “I think Coco, with her game style, she has the capability to make Sabalenka come up with a lot of errors, and also, she forces Sabalenka to have to play outside of her strike zone, which she doesn’t like to do.

“Coco’s ball tends to get up above the shoulders of some of these players. Especially with the hot, humid conditions here and how the ball goes through the courts. The courts are bouncy; the ball goes up high. And it’s hard for Sabalenka to be able to generate a lot of power from there.

“I mean, she still plays with some incredible power. I have to say that’s just something that I’ve noticed in their previous matchups.”

She then offered advice for Gauff while acknowledging what makes Sabalenka so dangerous too:

“I think Coco also does a really good job when she’s on the run,” said Collins. “Throwing in some slices. She scraps out some of these points. Coco is arguably the best mover on tour.

Sabalenka is ranked number one in the world. It’s also a tough matchup for Coco,” continued Collins.

“Coco’s gonna have to play her game; serve well; return well – do all things – but we’ve certainly seen her do that this week.”

Gauff has suffered from severe serving issues over the last year and will need them working today if she hopes to stop Aryna Sabalenka from compiling the Sunshine Double.

Coco Gauff’s track record against Aryna Sabalenka in finals

While the overall head-to-head between Gauff and Sabalenka sits at six apiece, it’s the American who holds the upper hand when it comes to finals.

They’ve only met in two finals so far, but Gauff has come out on top both times.

The first was at the 2022 US Open, where she claimed her maiden Grand Slam title. The second came at Roland Garros last year, once again coming from a set down to add another major to her collection.

If she’s going to stop Sabalenka in Miami, she’ll need that same grit again.

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