Aryna Sabalenka is not the World No.1 for nothing. Reaching back-to-back finals in the Sunshine Double is no small accomplishment. The three-time Slam champion cruised past Italy’s Jasmine Paolini on Thursday, making it to her maiden Miami Open summit clash. After a dry run in Doha and Dubai, following the AO final setback against Madison Keys, the Tigress seems to be ready to roar once again. But before the Miami Open final gets underway, Sabalenka has had a dose of unlimited laughter, thanks to her goddaughter.

Following her straight-set win over Paolini (6-2, 6-2) in the SF round, the Belarusian had a brief chat with Tennis Channel. And with herself, she also brought a cute little soul. When the host asked, “Who’s this magnificent smile in the yellow?”, the Belarusian revealed, “She’s my goddaughter, guys”.

Being curious, the host asked the little girl about Sabalenka’s performance. “Your godmom very good today?” To that, the girl just nodded. Sabalenka laughed and answered on her behalf. “She said yes. If she said yes, then yeah, I played well.” There was another moment when the World No.1 simply burst into laughter seeing the kid making funny faces looking at the camera. It was totally a joyride to say the least.

Talking about her match against Paolini on a serious note, Sabalenka said, “I think I played an incredible match and I’m super happy that I was able to focus on my serve. It was great performance from me and it’s always tough battles against Jasmine but I think today I just brought another level and I hope I’ll be able to do the same in the finals.” When asked if she was in her zone, the US Open champion said, “I think I was so focused and I think I was just focusing on myself and everything went smoothly.”

Sabalenka is the sixth player to enter the championship battle of Indian Wells and the Miami Open in the same season. Before her, Kim Clijsters (2005), Maria Sharapova (2006, 2012, 2013), Victoria Azarenka (2016), Iga Swiatek (2022), and Elena Rybakina (2023) have done it.

But the job is still not done for Sabalenka. She will need to give her all against Jessica Pegula, who seems to be in tremendous form as well.

Aryna Sabalenka exudes confidence ahead of her Miami Open final clash against Jessica Pegula

In the press conference after her win against Paolini, Aryna Sabalenka was also asked about her consistency this season. Barring two events (Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships) in February, she’s been impressive overall. Back in January, she won the Brisbane International and then finished as the runner-up in the Australian Open. This month, she reached the Indian Wells title clash as well, before losing to 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva.

Speaking about her journey in the ongoing season so far, she said, “Well, I’d say that — I don’t know, you know. It’s very tough to bring your best tennis every time you’re playing there. Like, anyway, you’re struggling with something. I think the way that I was able to adjust to different, let’s say, issues of the game, and the way that I was able to fight no matter what, I felt like I’m definitely on a pretty high level right now.”

Continuing further, she added, “Outside of February, that’s an incredible season, even though I had those tough finals. You know, we never lose. We only learn lessons. I’m really happy that I was able to give myself another opportunity, another final to learn the lesson finally and to get the trophy.”

Sabalenka’s opponent in the Miami final, Jessica Pegula, is coming off a hard-earned victory over 19-year-old Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala. But against the Belarusian, she will have to be at her best, given their h2h record. The World No.1 is currently leading it 6-2. The last time they met was in September 2024 when Sabalenka beat Pegula in the US Open final. Will the American avenge that loss to win her second WTA title of the season? Or will the Belarusian clinch her maiden Miami trophy? Let us know in the comments below.