Aryna Sabalenka apologises to Jessica Pegula and offers to share prize money | Tennis | Sport

Aryna Sabalenka apologised to Jessica Pegula for beating her in another final then said: ‘If I could share my prize money with you, I would!’ Sabalenka stormed past the American to the Miami Open title on Saturday night with a 7-5, 6-2 triumph inside the Hard Rock Stadium. The title is Sabalenka’s second of 2025 and it is the third straight meeting the world No.1 has beaten her fourth-ranked rival after triumphs in the US Open and Cincinnati Open finals last year.

After blowing Pegula away again in Miami, Sabalenka said during the trophy ceremony: “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. 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 Belarusian, 26, then thanked her team as she added: “Thank you that the rain stopped – it felt like Miami was crying that I won this tournament. I’m glad it’s not raining so I can talk a little bit. Thank you all the sponsors, thank you James for treating us the best way possible. Thank you everyone who helped me during this tournament. I really enjoy playing here, I enjoy every minute here.

“Winning this trophy is super special for me. Thank you my team for everything, you’re not my team, you’re my family. We spend 24/7, unfortunately, together. I love you so much, I really appreciate everything you do for me. I’m not an easy person but I try to do my best. I love you guys. And thank you my boyfriend I love you so much. Thank you everyone for supporting me every day.

“I enjoy playing in front of you. Thank you so much and thank you my friends who have been here and supporting me. Sorry this was probably the longest speech I ever made, I’m sorry!”

Pegula admitted it is difficult to like Sabalenka having now been denied three titles by her conqueror since mid-August. The world No.4 said: “First obviously congrats Aryna to you and your team. 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. Just congrats to an amazing couple of weeks here. Great tournament at Indian Wells too. The last month of tennis you’ve been able to play is amazing so congrats. Thank you to my team over in the box, my family, my coach, my hitting partner, my physio, my trainer at home, my husband, my brother and sister.

“I have a lot of friends and family here in south Florida so it’s been awesome to play here and have everyone come watch me play. I really appreciate you guys getting me going the last couple of weeks. It was a long two weeks but we had an amazing tournament so hopefully we can keep that going.”

Sabalenka had earlier told Sky Sports Tennis immediately after winning that she would be opening a bottle of tequila to celebrate. The Miami champion said: “Honestly I’m speechless. Last couple of finals were really tough and tight and close ones for me. Going into this one I was so focused on myself and I was super focused and I was playing point by point.

“It feels super special. I’m just speechless right now and super happy with the title. First one in Miami, wow. It’s just incredible. Definitely going to drink some tequila, for sure! We’re going to keep it private, keep it at home. But who knows, maybe my team will tell me, ‘you know what, go have fun!'”