Tennis legend Steffi Graf has extended heartfelt congratulations to Aryna Sabalenka following her remarkable victory at the 2025 Miami Open. Graf, a 22-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, took to social media to praise Sabalenka’s performance, drawing parallels to her own experiences on the court.
“Your performance was truly outstanding,” Graf wrote. “Watching you dominate throughout the tournament reminded me of my own journey through such moments. When in 1987, I was battling my way through tournaments like this, I remember the pressure, the excitement, and the determination it took to emerge victorious.”
Sabalenka, the Belarusian powerhouse and current world No. 2, secured the Miami Open title with a commanding victory in the final, showcasing her signature aggressive baseline game. Her win marked another milestone in what has been a stellar season, further solidifying her place among the sport’s elite.
Graf, who won the Miami Open in 1987 and 1995, reflected on how tournaments like these shape a player’s career. “Winning a big title like Miami is about more than just the trophy,” she said. “It’s about overcoming challenges, finding your best game, and proving to yourself that you belong at the top. Aryna showed all of that and more.”
The 1987 Miami Open was a defining moment for Graf, who was only 17 at the time. That victory served as a springboard for her historic season, culminating in her first Grand Slam title at the French Open later that year. She would go on to dominate women’s tennis, achieving the coveted Golden Slam in 1988 by winning all four majors and Olympic gold in a single year—a feat yet to be replicated.
Sabalenka, who has drawn inspiration from past greats like Graf, responded to the praise with gratitude. “Steffi is one of the greatest players in history, and hearing such kind words from her means a lot to me,” she said. “She set the standard for excellence in this sport, and I hope to continue building my own legacy.”
With her Miami Open triumph, Sabalenka has now won multiple WTA 1000 titles, adding to her two Grand Slam championships. Her relentless power and improved consistency have made her one of the most formidable competitors on tour.
As Graf’s message resonated across the tennis world, fans and analysts alike noted the significance of past champions acknowledging today’s stars. It serves as a reminder of the sport’s rich history and the way each generation inspires the next.
With the clay-court season on the horizon, Sabalenka will look to carry her Miami momentum into the upcoming tournaments, aiming to add more titles to her growing resume.
