WATCH: Pegula Hilariously Steals Sabalenka's Margarita After Miami Final Loss
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Jessica Pegula suffered yet more final heartbreak against Aryna Sabalenka in the 2025 Miami Open final, and the American decided she needed a cocktail more than the Belarusian.
Sabalenka beat Pegula in the finals of the 2024 Cincinnati Open and 2024 US Open. Pegula did not win a set in either match despite playing superbly during a high-quality US Open final, which saw the WTA world No. 1 player play her best tennis to triumph.
The home favorite's fortunes did not change at the Miami Open. After a tight first set that Sabalenka won 7-5, the match became one-sided, and Pegula lost the final in straight sets for a third consecutive time.
Many players would become bitter and resentful toward Sabalenka after so many brutal defeats. However, that is not Pegula's personality, which she proved during a hilarious moment while Sabalenka was being interviewed.
The three-time Grand Slam champion had been given a cocktail during her interview with the Tennis Channel. She burst out laughing when the American picked up the drink and took a sip without any prior warning.
Sabalenka then took Martina Navratilova's margarita, who was on the Tennis Channel, and said cheers before touching cups. Pegula then walked away with Sabalenka's drink, leaving her, Navratilova, and the presenter in stitches.
The two-time Australian Open winner then said moments like that are why she loves Pegula. Matches between the pair have always been played in good spirits, with both women not being afraid to applaud impressive shots by the other.
Sabalenka has admitted she used to not speak much to other players. Her mindset is different now, and she does not mind socializing with her WTA colleagues.
Paula Badosa and Sabalenka have a particularly close friendship, demonstrated by the Miami Open champion promising to buy the Spaniard something expensive after defeating her in the semifinal of the 2025 Australian Open.
Sabalenka has also made attempts to keep relations cordial with Iga Swiatek despite their consistently being the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the last few years, a situation that has led to tension throughout tennis history.
The pair delighted fans by doing a TikTok together before the WTA Finals. It received a highly positive reaction, with many liking that the two can collaborate in a fun way despite being rivals at the top of women's tennis.
Sabalenka now has some time to rest before the 2025 Stuttgart Open, which starts in just over two weeks. That will be the Belarusian's opening clay court tournament of the 2025 season.
By contrast, Pegula plans to be busy until then. She is scheduled to compete at the 2025 Charleston Open and has not withdrawn from the prestigious event played on green clay, despite her run to the final in Miami.
Pegula has also committed to representing the U.S. in the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers the following week. Coco Gauff will be missing from the U.S. team, but Pegula, as she often does, is stepping up to represent her country.
