New Delhi, May 16 -- Elina Svitolina delivered one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 clay court season after stunning Iga Swiatek to reach the Italian Open final, where Coco Gauff now awaits in a blockbuster championship showdown in Rome.

The Ukrainian star defeated Swiatek 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in a dramatic semifinal that completely changed the narrative heading into Roland Garros. According to the WTA, Svitolina's defensive discipline and ability to absorb Swiatek's heavy baseline pressure proved decisive during the closing stages of the match.

Svitolina's victory sends her into a third career Rome final and marks another major milestone in what has become one of the most impressive comeback stories in women's tennis. The former world No. 3 ...