This Saturday’s WTA 1000 Rome final might not be exactly what most were expecting, but it promises to be a very exciting matchup between two players who have been playing some fantastic tennis throughout the entire fortnight, with the 2017 and 2018 Rome champion Elina Svitolina taking on last year’s finalist and reigning Roland Garros Coco Gauff in what is sure to be a memorable clash for the title in the Italian capital.
WTA Rome Final Prediction
Coco Gauff vs Elina Svitolina
Head-to-head: Svitolina 3-2 Gauff
Svitolina has already beaten Gauff twice this year, a crushing 6-1 6-2 win in the Australian Open quarterfinals and a long three hour three-setter in the semifinals of Doha. There is no doubt that Svitolina has been playing better in 2026 so far, but Gauff has often shown the ability to step up in big matches and win big titles despite struggling before the tournament
All things considered, this should be a very close match, more in line with what we saw in Dubai than Australia, decided by execution on big points. While Svitolina has won this tournament twice in the past and has been playing at a very high level this year, Gauff has been extremely clutch this tournament, and when she is playing close to her best she has proved to be extremely difficult to beat on a clay court. She will also be eager to make amends for her disappointing performance in last year’s final, where she lost against Jasmine Paolini and only won six games in the process. She is sure to play much better this time around and make it a real fight.
Given how evenly matched both players seem to be, the first set might play an even more crucial role than usual, with whoever wins it gaining crucial momentum and whoever loses facing a real uphill battle to turn it around.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports