Tennis
Italian Open 2026: Will It Be Svitolina Or Gauff Celebrating In Rome On Saturday Night?
The Italian Open final brings us the third 2026 meeting between Elina Svitolina and Coco Gauff, with William Hill News tipster Sam Cox previewing Saturday’s contest.
Svitolina was victorious in Melbourne and Doha, and her confidence couldn’t be any higher after seeing off an in-form Iga Świątek in the semis.
Elina Svitolina v Coco Gauff Predictions:
- Both players to win a set (11/10)
- Elina Svitolina +3.5 games (4/6)
- Over 21.5 total games (4/5)
A back-to-back winner of this competition in 2017 and 2018, Svitolina is playing in just her second WTA 1000 final since winning this event in 2018. There have been signs of a late-career resurgence in 2026, with six wins against top-10 players already this season.
The defending French Open champion, Gauff has more recent experience in big finals, including four WTA 1000 finals since the start of last year. The American is searching for her first title in 2026.
An improved serve has given Gauff a more reliable foundation to work with.
After winning her semi-final, she said, “I think today (Thursday), I delivered a much more fluid match than some of my previous encounters. Sorana is a formidable opponent, a great player.
“To be honest, I think my serve is a real improvement. I believe this is the first time in my career that I feel so stable with that shot. Overall, it’s been a roller-coaster journey.”
Svitolina couldn’t hide her joy when she reached the final. With so much experience against Gauff, she’s relishing the opportunity on Saturday.
Svitolina said, “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.”
Three of the last four matches between Svitolina and Gauff have reached a third set. Each of those matches have had 25+ total games.
This has the makings of an epic duel. It’s a tough one to call with the standards both players showed in the semis.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
