Thanks to her 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2 victory over Coco Gauff, she has made history as the oldest player to claim three titles at a WTA 1000 event. Gauff, bidding to win her first title in Rome, started strongly and broke twice to lead 2-0 and 4-2.

However, Svitolina fought back on both occasions. The Ukrainian saved three break points in the pivotal ninth game to hold for a 5-4 lead before breaking Gauff to take the opening set 6-4.

Gauff, who had already played three three-set matches during the week, stayed close to Svitolina throughout the second set. Although the American earned break points in each of Svitolina’s first three service games of the set, neither player managed a breakthrough until the 11th game.

Tiebreak

Gauff broke to lead 6-5, only for Svitolina to break back immediately and force a tiebreak. The American edged the tiebreak 7-5 to level the match.

Svitolina quickly regained control in the deciding set and broke in the fifth and seventh games to move ahead 5-2. 

Serving for the championship, the Ukrainian saved three break points before converting her third match point after two hours, 49 minutes. The win improved her record against Gauff to 4-2.

“Definitely was an extremely tough battle,” said Svitolina. “I’m very happy with the way I could handle my nerves, not only today but also throughout this tournament. I think the two weeks have been tough, but I’m very happy with the way I’ve been playing, the way my body has been reacting in these tough matches. Just very proud of the effort.”

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg