SVITOLINA BEATS GAUFF TO WIN ITALIAN OPEN TITLE.

Elina Svitolina boosted her French Open hopes after defeating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-
7(3), 6-2 to win the Italian Open title in Rome.

The Ukrainian battled through a tense contest to secure her third title in the Italian
capital and her first claycourt trophy of the season ahead of Roland Garros.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years since I had this trophy here,” Svitolina said
after the victory. “I’m very pleased with my two weeks here.”

Svitolina had earlier beaten top stars Elena Rybakina and Iga Świątek during an
impressive run to the title.

Gauff forced the match into a deciding set after winning the second-set tiebreak, but
Svitolina regained control in the final set to seal victory on her third match point.

The win strengthens Svitolina’s credentials ahead of the French Open later this
month.