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Svitolina Wins Rome, Defeats Gauff, Rybakina, Swiatek

5/19/2026

Summary

Svitolina Triumphs

Elina Svitolina won the Rome WTA title, defeating fourth-seeded Coco Gauff in the final.
She also beat No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina and No. 3 seed Iga Swiatek, earning her third Rome crown, her first since 2018.
Having returned from surgery two years ago, she climbed from outside the top 100 to a top-30 seed, saying the win gives her confidence for Roland Garros and hopes her consistency can bring a first Grand Slam title.

Summary

Svitolina Protests

Elina Svitolina captured the Rome title, thanked Ukrainians sheltering from bombings, and will keep refusing handshakes with Russian and Belarusian opponents as a war protest.
Gael Monfils posted an Instagram tribute praising his wife’s strength and motherhood after her victory and said he will retire after his final Roland Garros.
The International Olympic Committee announced that Belarusian athletes may again compete under their flag, which Svitolina called sad and painful.

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Svitolina Triumphs

Elina Svitolina won the Rome WTA title, defeating fourth-seeded Coco Gauff in the final.
She also beat No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina and No. 3 seed Iga Swiatek, earning her third Rome crown, her first since 2018.
Having returned from surgery two years ago, she climbed from outside the top 100 to a top-30 seed, saying the win gives her confidence for Roland Garros and hopes her consistency can bring a first Grand Slam title.

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