Elina Svitolina achieved a remarkable win in her comeback on Saturday, defeating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 to claim the women’s singles title at the Italian Open in Rome.
This victory marked Svitolina’s third title in Rome and her first WTA 1000 title since 2018. It also capped an impressive run through the tournament, where she beat world No. 2 Elena Rybakina, No. 3 Iga Swiatek, and fourth-ranked Gauff in successive matches as she heads to the French Open.
The final was a tough match that lasted nearly three hours. Gauff took a 4-2 lead in the first set, but Svitolina responded brilliantly. She played more aggressively and won four straight games to take the set. Gauff came back strongly in the second set, increasing her level in the tiebreak to push the match to a deciding set after failing to serve it out at 6-5.
In the third set, Svitolina regained control with fearless baseline play. A critical forehand winner while facing break point early in the final set shifted the momentum back to her, and the Ukrainian continued strong after breaking serve in the fifth game.
This title represents another milestone in Svitolina’s comeback. Eight years after her last triumph in Rome and following a maternity break after her daughter’s birth with Gael Monfils in 2022, the 31-year-old is now playing some of her best tennis.
“”It’s very hard to believe it’s been eight years since I had this trophy and very pleased with the two weeks here,” Svitolina reflected on the win.
With victories over three top-five players in a row on clay, Svitolina is heading to Roland Garros as one of the top players on the WTA Tour and a serious contender for the title in Paris.
“Another tough battle between us,” admitted Gauff. “I’m on the other side but hopefully one of these days I can get over that… A lot of long matches against great players so congratulations to you and your team.”
