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Svitolina Battles Past Gauff to Claim Third Italian Open Title

Elina Svitolina defeated Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 in a 2-hour, 49-minute final to win her third Italian Open title. The Ukrainian rallied from a 4-2 deficit in the opening set and saved multiple break points en route to victory. Svitolina also defeated Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek in earlier rounds. In the men's draw, Jannik Sinner beat Daniil Medvedev to reach the final against Casper Ruud.

Key Points: Svitolina Wins Third Italian Open Title

  • Svitolina beats Gauff 6-4, 6-7, 6-2
  • Comes from behind after trailing 4-2 in first set
  • Wins third Italian Open and 20th WTA title
  • Jannik Sinner reaches men's final vs Casper Ruud
2 min read

Svitolina beats Gauff to win third Italian Open title

Elina Svitolina defeats Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 in Rome to win her third Italian Open and 20th WTA singles title.

"Definitely it was an extremely tough battle - Elina Svitolina"

Rome, May 17

Seventh seed Elina Svitolina battled past third seed Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 after two hours and 49 minutes in the women's singles final, capturing her third Italian Open title on Saturday.

Svitolina advanced to the final after defeating second seed Elena Rybakina and fourth seed Iga Swiatek in consecutive rounds. Facing last year's runner-up Gauff, the Ukrainian found herself under pressure early and trailed 4-2 in the opening set.

The turning point came in the eighth game, when Gauff double-faulted twice after building a 40-0 lead, allowing Svitolina to break back. The Ukrainian then saved three break points in the ninth game to hold serve before taking the set 6-4, reported Xinhua.

The second set turned into a tight battle. Gauff earned a crucial break in the 11th game, but Svitolina broke back immediately when the American served for the set, forcing a tiebreak. Gauff raised her level in the tiebreak and claimed it 7-3 to level the match at one set apiece.

Svitolina regained control in the deciding set by breaking in the fifth and seventh games. Serving for the championship, she saved three break points before sealing victory with a backhand volley. The triumph marked her third singles title in Rome and the 20th WTA singles title of her career.

"Definitely [it] was an extremely tough battle," Svitolina said after the match, adding that she was pleased with the way she handled nerves throughout the tournament.

In the men's draw, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner completed his rain-suspended semifinal against seventh seed Daniil Medvedev on Saturday, winning 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 to reach Sunday's final, where he will face 23rd seed Casper Ruud.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Vikram M
Honestly, Gauff should have won this. She had Svitolina on the ropes in the first set—that 40-0 lead in the eighth game was golden. Two double faults cost her the set, and that's just not good enough at this level. But Svitolina's experience showed in the decider. Jannik Sinner vs. Casper Ruud in the men's final should be thrilling too!
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Rohan X
Third Italian Open title for Svitolina—what a legend! She beat Rybakina and Swiatek back-to-back, which is no joke. Gauff has a bright future, but today belonged to the Ukrainian. Also, happy to see Sinner through to the final; he's been in great form. 🇮🇹
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Rahul L
Great win for Svitolina, but I wish we had more Indian representation in the women's singles. Our players like Ankita Raina and Sania Mirza have done well in doubles, but singles is still a struggle. Anyway, inspiring match—especially the way she saved three break points while serving for the championship! 💪
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Kavya N
What a thriller! I was on the edge of my seat during that second-set tiebreak. Gauff's power is impressive, but Svitolina's defence is world-class. The way she absorbs pace and redirects is something our Indian players could learn from. Also, Sinner vs. Ruud should be a cracker—Go Sinner! 😄

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