India, May 17 -- Coco Gauff had a nightmare moment in the opening set of the Italian Open final against Elina Svitolina on Saturday. Emotions were boiling, and the 22-year-old ultimately broke down in tears. The moment went viral on social media.

Gauff looked firmly in control early in the contest following a brief rain delay at the Foro Italico. The American raced into a 4-2 lead in the first set and appeared on course to justify her status as the slight favorite heading into the championship clash.

Instead, the momentum shifted dramatically.

Svitolina stormed back by winning four consecutive games to snatch the set 6-4, capitalising on a string of errors from Gauff during the closing stages.

The decisive moment came on set point whe...