Sabalenka took the Miami Open trophy, but Pegula got the last laugh.Aryna Sabalenka is leaving Hard Rock Stadium as the Miami Open champion, but runner-up Jessica Pegula is taking home a refreshing souvenir.After world No. 1 Sabalenka defeated Pegula in straight sets to win a much-desired first Miami title, she was ready to celebrate at the Tennis Channel desk, with her signature margarita cocktail in partnership with Dobel Tequila—dubbed the ‘Marg-Aryna’—alongside Martina Navratilova and Prakash Amritraj.But the defeated finalist, no stranger to post-defeat treats, had other plans.As Sabalenka answered Navratilova’s question about how she finds balance in her aggressive style of play, Pegula snuck up behind her and not only took a sip of Sabalenka’s signature drink, but walked off with it. Before Pegula departed, the two clinked cup as Sabalenka briefly borrowed Navratilova’s drink for the toast.Read more: Aryna Sabalenka has now won 23 of her last 24 matches in the United States following Miami triumphA post shared by Tennis (@tennischannel)”That’s why I like this girl; she’s the best!” Sabalenka exclaimed, sending Buffalo’s finest off with a rousing “Go Dolphins!” cheer.But the two rivals were feeling the love even before htting the interview circuit as they gushed about each other during the trophy ceremony.”I really don’t want to like you right now, but you’re the best player in the world for a reason,” Pegula said during her runner-up speech.”You keep pushing everybody and challenging everybody to get better … the last month of tennis you’ve been able to play is amazing.”A post shared by Tennis (@tennischannel)”If I could share the trophy with someone, trophy, prize money, points, everything, Jess, I would definitely share it with you,” Sabalenka replied. “You’re an incredible player and you always push me to play my best … it’s always great matches, a great level of tennis.”I’m not sure about the result, because I don’t want to lose in the finals … but I always enjoy playing against you. You’re an incredible person and player!”It’s safe to say these two might be toasting to each other when the cameras aren’t rolling, too, sometime soon.
