Elina Svitolina outlasts Coco Gauff to win 3rd Italian Open
Making her case as a French Open favorite, Elina Svitolina defeated three reigning Grand Slam champions en route to the 2026 Italian Open title. Svitolina defeated Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff. Her win over Gauff in the finals was a tennis masterclass in grit, effort, and determination.
Svitolina has not won a WTA 1000 title in eight years, at the 2018 Italian Open. She married Gael Monfils, gave birth to their daughter, and somehow improved her game during maternity leave. MORE: Luciano Darderi apologizes for highly ridiculed Italian Open entrance in Casper Ruud match The difference between Svitolina and Gauff Gauff is the better athlete and the harder hitter.
She can run anything down and come back from any deficit. Gauff showed her resilience throughout the tournament and especially in the final. Svitolina won physical points, did not shy away from long rallies, and was extraordinary.
Mar 13, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Elina Svitolina (BEL) hits a shot against Elena Rybakina (KAZ) in her semifinal match during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images This was a nearly three hour match that was unpredictable from point to point. MORE: Alexander Zverev accuses Tennis Channel of favoritism 20 career titles for Svitolina Back in the Top 10, Svitolina won her 20th career WTA title becoming the fifth active player, joining Venus Williams, Victoria Azarenka , Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek, to accomplish that feat.