An Indian Wells title was missing in World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka's trophy cabinet, but the void was filled when she beat Elena Rybakina at the 2026 final.

Though the accomplishment called for a celebration, the Medusa had no time, as she had to fly out for the Miami Open. Acknowledging her travel schedule, a member of the press asked Sabalenka what the in-flight revelry would be like.

“Well, I guess a couple espresso martinis, probably, and Five Guys to go. Maybe a couple drinks just to cheer ourselves up. And that’s it, because the schedule is really tight. I cannot relax too much, because I’m defending champion there. So I will try to stay loose but focused," Aryna Sabalenka said.

Sabalenka prevailed against the World No. 2 in one of the closest matches of the season so far. The final set went to a tie-break after a thumping backhand winner by the Belarusian saved a championship point for Rybakina.

It was one of the most satisfying victories of Aryna Sabalenka’s career, as she overcame mounting pressure and criticism after losing four finals to Elena Rybakina, most recently in the Australian Open.

And while celebrations should have been on for Sabalenka after her mental fortitude was tested, the World No. 1 meant business as she had to immediately prepare for the Miami Open.

What will the Miami Open look like for Aryana Sabalenka?

The World No. 1 will be entering the tournament as the top seed and defending champion after defeating Jessica Pegula for the title last year. And for this reason, Sabalenka has received a first-round bye.

She will be playing the winner of the match between Ann Li and a qualifier as her second-round matchup.

Should she go past the second round, the Belarusian could face World No. 29, Xinyu Wang.

Madison Keys (15) and Qinwen Zheng (23) are also in her quarter of the draw.

However, a potential rematch between the Belarusian and Elena Rybakina would not be possible until the semi-finals of the tournament. Although seeing how both have been performing since the start of the season, the probability of a rematch is quite high.

But more importantly, Sabalenka will be hoping to defend her Miami Open title, as that will make her the twelfth player, and fifth woman in tennis history, to achieve the Sunshine Double. The achievement is given to those who win both the Indian Wells and Miami Open titles in the same year.

The main draw of the Miami Open starts on March 17, but those looking to catch the World No. 1 play will have to wait till the 19th.

Do you think Aryna Sabalenka will make history by bagging the Sunshine Double? Let us know!

Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Arvind Rao