Aryna Sabalenka offers to split Miami Open prize money with Jessica Pegula
World number one Aryna Sabalenka offered to share her £844,000 prize money with Jessica Pegula after defeating the American in the Miami Open final.
The Belarusian secured a straight-sets 7-5 6-2 victory to claim the prestigious title in Florida.
It marked her third consecutive championship win over the hometown favourite following recent victories at the US Open and Cincinnati Open.
Displaying remarkable empathy during the trophy presentation, the reigning women’s champion apologised to her defeated rival.
A dominant rivalry
“First of all Jess, I’m so sorry, for real,” the four-time Grand Slam winner said post-match.
“If I could share the trophy with someone, trophy, prize money, points, everything – I would definitely share it with you.”
The 27-year-old went on to praise the world number five for consistently elevating her performance during their encounters.
“You’re an incredible player, you always push me so hard to play my best,” she added.
“Continue doing what you’re doing and I’m pretty sure we’re going to play many more finals.”
Pegula praises world’s best
Despite enduring another final defeat on home soil, the American runner-up was quick to commend her conqueror.
“Three finals, it’s… I really, really don’t want to like you right now,” she joked during the ceremony.
“But you’re the best player in the world for a reason.”
The world’s top-ranked player has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the current season.
She reached the Australian Open final in January before lifting the Indian Wells trophy earlier this month.
Meanwhile, her Florida-based rival recently bounced back by claiming the Dubai Championships title in February.
