Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina battled to a 3rd Italian Open title following an exciting three-set win in opposition to Coco Gauff within the remaining.
The 31-year-old fought again from 4-2 all the way down to win the primary set and, regardless of dropping the second on a tie-break, Svitolina responded to assert the decider for a 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-2 victory.
Her path to success in Rome has concerned incomes notable three-set wins in opposition to world quantity two Elena Rybakina, quantity three Iga Swiatek and now Gauff, who’s ranked fourth.
Svitolina, whose earlier victories within the match got here in 2017 and 2018, stated: “It’s extremely laborious to consider it has been eight years since I had this trophy and very happy with the 2 weeks right here.”
The world quantity 10 loved a 3rd successive victory in opposition to Gauff, having crushed the American within the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
“One other powerful battle between us,” admitted Gauff, who additionally completed runner-up in Rome final 12 months, however then went on to win the French Open. “I am on the opposite facet however hopefully certainly one of as of late I can recover from that.”
She additionally praised Svitolina for her spectacular run in opposition to extra favoured opponents as she added: “You had an unimaginable match – plenty of lengthy matches in opposition to nice gamers so congratulations to you and your crew.”
