Elina Svitolina sinks Coco Gauff to regain Italian Open after eight-year gap

"When facing the toughest opponents in the world, there were too many occasions in Elina Svitolina's past when she would simply play not to lose. In the decisive moments of her most important encounters, Svitolina was often punished for her tendency to simply put the ball in court rather than attacking freely. With time, age and many tough losses behind her along with her great successes, however, the 31-year-old has come to truly understand the importance of playing on her own terms."

"She has evolved into a much bolder, more decisive player, and showed her progress by taking another massive step forward in a resurgent season, defeating Coco Gauff after three bruising and attritional sets to capture her first significant title in eight years at the Italian Open with a stellar 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2 win. This victory, her third title in Rome and first WTA 1000-level title since 2018, represents a deserved milestone for Svitolina, who has been one of the most consistent and outstanding players of the year."

"She took the crown with a spectacular run through the draw, defeating the WTA No 2, No 3 and No 4, Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek and Gauff, in consecutive matches to win the title. Svitolina, the seventh seed, is the oldest player to defeat three top-five players in a single WTA 1000 tier I event since the format's introduction in 1990. She has now won 20 titles on the WTA tour."

"Svitolina will head to Roland Garros having secured herself a top-eight seed at No 7. However, the WTA Race provides a far more accurate reflection of the Ukrainian's level this year: Svitolina sits at No 3 in the standings behind only Aryna Sabalenka and Rybakina. She is clearly capable of winning the title."

Elina Svitolina previously played too cautiously in decisive moments, often choosing to put the ball in play rather than attacking freely against the toughest opponents. With time, age, and difficult losses, she developed a clearer understanding of playing on her own terms. In a resurgent season, she defeated Coco Gauff after three hard-fought sets to win her first major title in eight years at the Italian Open, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2. The win marked her third Rome title and her first WTA 1000-level title since 2018. She beat top-ranked players Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Gauff in consecutive matches, becoming the oldest player to defeat three top-five opponents in a single WTA 1000 event since 1990. She enters Roland Garros as the No 7 seed and No 3 in the WTA Race.

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