Fresh off commanding title runs in the California desert, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka have turned their attention to the 2026 Miami Open, where both stars are aiming to complete one of the sport’s toughest back-to-back feats, the “Sunshine Double.” Riding high on confidence after lifting the BNP Paribas Open trophies at Indian Wells, the two top players arrive in Florida with momentum and clarity.
Jannik Sinner Emphasizes Preparation and Adaptability As He Eyes Miami Challenge
The Sunshine Double remains one of the sport’s most demanding accomplishments due to the quick turnaround, surface similarities that still require adjustments, and the depth of competition across both ATP and WTA draws. Sinner and Sabalenka have already cleared the first hurdle in Indian Wells with commanding performances. Their victories set the stage for a compelling second act in Miami, where expectations now follow them.
Sinner opened his Indian Wells campaign with a 6-1, 6-1 rout of Dalibor Svrcina, then dismissed Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-2. His toughest early challenge came against Brazilian rising star João Fonseca, where he survived two tight tiebreaks, 7-6(6), 7-6(4).
From there, he overwhelmed Learner Tien 6-1, 6-2 and outplayed fourth seed Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4 in the semifinals. In the final against Daniil Medvedev, Sinner edged a tense first-set tiebreak 7-6(6) and then produced a remarkable comeback in the second-set tiebreak, reeling off seven straight points from 0-4 down to win 7-6(4) and seal the title.
Speaking in a media session ahead of the Miami Open, Sinner kept his focus grounded and process-driven. “We all hope for the best possible result. Let’s see,” he said. “For me, the most important [thing] is to prepare myself in the best possible way, and then we’ll see what turns out.”
“Of course, I try to, as always, give 100 percent. That’s the only thing I can control, and the rest I can’t control. I try to adapt, you know? So, they’re all very tough challenges in front of me. Let’s see who my first-round opponent is and hopefully I will be ready.”
How Is Aryna Sabalenka Planning To Carry Her Indian Wells Momentum Into Miami?
Sabalenka’s Indian Wells run, meanwhile, was equally impressive. After finishing runner-up in 2023 and 2025, she finally captured the title with a dominant campaign that saw her reach the final without dropping a set. She defeated Himeno Sakatsume 6-4, 6-2, then Jaqueline Cristian 6-4, 6-1, before beating Naomi Osaka 6-2, 6-4 in the Round of 16.
In the quarterfinals, she overcame Victoria Mboko 7-6(0), 6-4, followed by a 6-3, 6-4 win over Linda Noskova in the semifinals. The final against Elena Rybakina turned into a dramatic battle lasting over two and a half hours, with Sabalenka rallying to win 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(8-6). The victory marked her 23rd career WTA singles title and her 10th at the WTA 1000 level.
Arriving in Miami, Sabalenka emphasized both her comfort in the city and her desire to build on recent success. “The last couple of weeks gave me so much and I just want to carry that energy into the season,” she said. “It’s always a great time here, staying in [my] house [in Miami].”
“Also, I like being in Miami. I love this city. I love to spend time here on and off the court and I just hope the weather is going to be a little better. Not much training but I’m super-excited for this tournament.”
Looking ahead, Sinner is set for his fifth Miami Open appearance. The second seed and 2024 champion has been granted a first-round bye and will begin his campaign in the second round against either qualifier Ignacio Buse or Damir Džumhur.
On the women’s side, Sabalenka will be making her eighth appearance at the tournament. The top seed and defending champion also received a bye into the second round, where she is scheduled to face either Ann Li or Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell.
