ROME — Third seed Coco Gauff surged into her second consecutive Italian Open final, overcoming Romanian Sorana Cirstea 6-4 6-3, before Elina Svitolina joined her in the title match with a 6-4 2-6 6-2 win over world number three Iga Swiatek.
The win earned the 22-year-old American her second WTA 1000 final appearance this year following her runner-up finish to Aryna Sabalenka in Miami in March.
Gauff struggled early on as Cirstea raced into a 4-2 lead, but the world No 4 shifted gears and took command of the match by winning four games in a row to take the opening set.
Her momentum was briefly interrupted in the second set when play was paused to assist a spectator who required medical attention, yet Gauff kept her focus.
She twice secured breaks only for Cirstea to fight back each time. However, Gauff claimed a decisive break in the eighth game and held serve to seal the win in a match that lasted a little over one hour.
The straight-sets victory ended a taxing run for Gauff, who had navigated three consecutive three-set matches to reach the semifinals, including a narrow escape against compatriot Iva Jovic.
Cirstea, who plans to retire later this year, exits having delivered the shock of the tournament by stunning world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s third round.
Gauff’s victory was her third over the 36-year-old Cirstea this year following previous wins in Miami and Madrid.
“I think I learned a little bit more from each match,” said Gauff during her on-court interview. “Those are the matches you get through… I’m really grateful to be in the final.”
