Sabalenka is looking for a double date, while Gauff will return for the 2026 Miami Open

The Miami Open defined 2026 with World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka going for the Sunshine Double and Coco Gauff becoming a hometown hero.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka will chase the elusive Sunshine Double at the 2026 Miami Open after a dramatic Indian Wells victory over Elena Rybakina on Sunday.

The Belarusian saved the match points to capture the 2026 BNP Paribas Open title and now she has turned her attention to becoming only the fifth woman to win 1000 WTA tournaments simultaneously.Sabalenka is also looking to become the first woman to win the Miami championship since Ashleigh Barty won the 2019 and 2021 crowns.

At this year's Miami Open, a fourth-round showdown with No. 15 Madison Keys is expected after Keys defeated Sabalenka in the 2025 Australian Open final.

Coco Gauff, of Florida, is hoping to finish as the No. 4 seed in Indian Wells after an injury. The 21-year-old, who reached the first quarterfinals at the Miami Open, landed in the bottom half of the draw along with Floridian No. 6 seed Amanda Anisimova.

Gauff also includes 2021 Miami semifinalist Maria Sakkar and 14th seed Indian Wells semifinalist Linda Noskova.The American fan favorite could face 12th seed Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals if both players advance.

Rybakina enters Miami looking for freedom after losing in the Indian Wells final, with the Kazakh star reaching the finals of the tournament in 2023 and 2024 before falling both times.Now he faces a tough challenge and a possible clash with No.16 born Naomi Osaka.

Philippine rising star Alexandra Eala returned to the 31st spot en route to last year's semifinals, upsetting then-No.2 Iga Schwietek.

How to watch the Miami Open 2026

The Miami Open begins the Round of 16 on Tuesday, live on The Tennis Channel.