Elina Svitolina is into yet another Italian Open final, having outlasted Iga Swiatek in a sensational match last night.
Having stormed into an early lead after a tight first set, the former world number one rallied back to claim the second. If anyone seemed set to then go on and win the match, it was the Polish superstar.
Alas, having saved a handful of break points in her very first service game, Elina Svitolina then broke instantly and never relinquished that lead.
She will now face Coco Gauff for the chance to lift another trophy in Rome, and discussed the prospect of facing the top-ranked American next.
Elina Svitolina reacts after beating Iga Swiatek to reach the Italian Open final
Initially reacting to her win, Svitolina could no longer hide her smile.
Having kept her emotions so in check throughout the match, she was beaming from ear to ear as she claimed: “It’s amazing.. the feeling is just unreal to be after so many years here again in the final. It’s such an amazing feeling to do it in such a great way, I think.”
Who do you think is winning the women’s Italian Open final? 🏆
A two-time champion here in Rome, the 31-year-old will boast far more experience on Saturday, even if Gauff reached the final last year.
She referenced her upcoming opponent, with Svitolina stating: “I definitely have a game plan. Not now exactly, but I will have it. We’ve played many times. It’s not a surprise. We both know the way we bring the fight.
“Our last match was something out of this world. Definitely, I’m gonna rewatch that to find the ways… some tactics.
“Firstly, I want to enjoy this win tonight. Tomorrow it’s a day off, so I can rest, prepare, and be ready for the final.”
Gauff has emulated both Serena and Venus Williams by reaching the Italian Open final, and will hope to channel both of her legendary compatriots as she bids to claim her maiden title at this event.
Elina Svitolina’s head-to-head record vs Coco Gauff
As Svitolina mentioned whilst still on court, the latest iteration of her rivalry with Gauff provided an incredible thriller.
Now, with what will be at stake in this Italian Open final, that level could be elevated even further.
Is Coco Gauff playing well enough to win Rome and Roland Garros?
She's into the Italian Open final!
Saturday’s clash will mark the sixth meeting between these two, with the Ukrainian currently leading their head-to-head by a narrow margin. She has won three of their five matches, pulling ahead with her latest win in the Dubai semi-finals.
Interestingly, this will be their first-ever meeting on clay, but not their first in a final. Gauff won their first-ever title showdown in 2024, when she came from a set down to beat Svitolina in the Auckland final.
Regardless, we are guaranteed a dramatic encounter between two massively in-form players, both vying to secure the last big title available before Roland Garros.
