Sabalenka heavy favorite for Miami Open final

Aryna Sabalenka is the clear favorite heading into Saturday’s Miami Open final, with tennis betting sites backing the world No.1 to keep her hardcourt streak going against American Jessica Pegula.

Tennis sportsbooks list the Belarusian at just -333.33 to win, reflecting her dominance in recent matchups.

Sabalenka has beaten Pegula in two consecutive finals on North American hardcourts, including last year’s U.S. Open and the Cincinnati WTA 1000 event. She also leads their overall head-to-head 6-2.

Still, Pegula isn’t shying away from the moment.

After surviving a tricky three-set semifinal against rising star Alexandra Eala, the No.5 seed says something about this year just feels different.

“You know, sometimes at tournaments you have that feeling,” Pegula said ahead of her third Miami final in four years.

“I have always felt like I could win this tournament. I have always had really good results, always gone deep. I’m happy I’m able to give myself a chance on Saturday.”

“Hopefully I can get the better of her here,” she added.

“I’m also really proud that I can put myself up there with one of the best hard-court players in the world. Making another final of a 1000 is huge. Just super excited to where I put myself at the beginning of the year.”

Sabalenka, who won their most recent meeting 7-5, 7-5 in the 2024 U.S. Open final, said she’s looking forward to another battle with Pegula.

“We had a lot of tough matches against each other,” Sabalenka said.

“It’s always great battles. Cincinnati was a great level for me probably but maybe not really from her. And then [the U.S. Open] final was just like crazy match again. Yeah, she fought really hard in that second set, and that was tough match. I’m always exciting facing her. I’m super excited about another final. That’s crazy.”

Despite the history between them, top online sportsbooks are expecting another straight-sets win for Sabalenka.

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