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Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina battled to a third Italian Open title following a thrilling three-set win against Coco Gauff in the final.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 31-year-old fought back from 4-2 down to win the first set and, despite losing the second on a tie-break, Svitolina responded to claim the decider for a 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-2 victory.<\/p>\n
Her route to success in Rome has involved earning notable three-set wins against world number two Elena Rybakina, number three Iga Swiatek and now Gauff, who is ranked fourth.<\/p>\n
Svitolina, whose previous victories in the tournament came in 2017 and 2018, said: “It’s very hard to believe it’s been eight years since I had this trophy and very pleased with the two weeks here.”<\/p>\n
The world number 10 enjoyed a third successive victory against Gauff, having beaten the American in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.<\/p>\n
“Another tough battle between us,” admitted Gauff, who also finished runner-up in Rome last year, but then went on to win the French Open. “I’m on the other side but hopefully one of these days I can get over that.”<\/p>\n
She also praised Svitolina for her impressive run against more favoured opponents as she added: “You had an incredible tournament – a lot of long matches against great players so congratulations to you and your team.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n