Elina Svitolina produced a stunning performance to defeat Coco Gauff and win her third Italian Open title in Rome, strengthening her status as one of the top contenders heading into the French Open.
The seventh-seeded Ukrainian battled past reigning Roland Garros champion Gauff 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 in a gripping women’s singles final that lasted nearly three hours at the Foro Italico.
Svitolina showed remarkable composure throughout the contest, especially after Gauff forced the match into a deciding set through a strong second-set tiebreak display. The 31-year-old responded brilliantly in the final set, breaking the American twice before sealing victory on her third championship point.
The triumph marked Svitolina’s third career title in Rome after previous victories in 2017 and 2018. It also ended an eight-year wait for another Italian Open crown and gave her first clay-court title of the 2026 season.
Svitolina’s route to the title was especially impressive as she defeated several top-ranked opponents during the tournament. Before overcoming Gauff in the final, she knocked out World No.2 Elena Rybakina and former World No.1 Iga Swiatek in successive rounds.
The victory also highlighted Svitolina’s remarkable resurgence since returning to the tour after maternity leave in 2022. The Ukrainian has now re-established herself among the elite players in women’s tennis and moved further up the WTA rankings with the Rome triumph.
For Gauff, it was another painful near miss in Rome after finishing runner-up for the second consecutive year. The American star fought hard to stay in the match but struggled to convert crucial break-point opportunities during key moments of the final.
Svitolina will now head to Roland Garros full of confidence as she chases her maiden Grand Slam singles title, while Gauff remains one of the favourites to defend her French Open crown in Paris.
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