ROME : Elina Svitolina strengthened her credentials for the French Open by battling past Coco Gauff 6-4 6-7(3) 6-2 in the Italian Open final on Saturday to claim her first claycourt title of the season.
The Ukrainian’s triumph followed victories over world number two Elena Rybakina and third-ranked Iga Swiatek during the tournament, further boosting her hopes of winning a maiden Grand Slam title at French Open, which begins on May 24 in Paris.
Svitolina’s third title in Rome came eight years after her second consecutive triumph at the Foro Italico, following a career break during which she gave birth to her daughter with fellow player Gael Monfils in late 2022.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years since I had this trophy here,” Svitolina said.
“I’m very pleased with my two weeks here. Congratulations to Coco for a great tournament. You’re such a great champion, and I hope we can have more battles in the future.”
The seventh seed twice recovered from a break down in the opening set before capitalising on a pair of double faults from Gauff to take the lead.
Gauff, the reigning Roland Garros champion, fought back strongly in the second set and dominated the tiebreak to force a decider.
But Svitolina regained control in the third set, breaking in the fifth game before securing another break and eventually sealing victory on her third match point.
The 31-year-old later dedicated the win to Ukrainians enduring the ongoing war following Russia’s 2022 invasion.
“Many of them are in bomb shelters and it’s been really heavy in the past couple of weeks for Ukraine,” Svitolina said.
“I want to thank you for all the support from afar, I feel all the love.”
Gauff suffered her third straight defeat against Svitolina after earlier losses this year at the Australian Open and in Dubai.
“Another tough battle between us. I’m on the other side but hopefully one of these days I can get over that,” Gauff said.
“Hopefully I’ll see you at the French Open, in the final.”
