Elina Svitolina Defends Italian Open Crown

(May 20, 2018) In a repeat of last’s year’s Rome final, fourth seed Elina Svitolina of the Ukraine defeated No. 1 Simona Halep of Romania 6-0, 6-4 to win the Italian Open title for a second straight year.

“It’s amazing that I could come and defend my title here. It’s really something very special for me,” Svitolina said after the match.

Svitolina joins a list of 10 women to successfully to win multiple Rome crowns, which includes the likes of Chris Evert, Serena Williams, Amelie Mauresmo and Gabriela Sabatini.

Halep appeared to have been hampered with an injury in the second set. She had to leave the court for treatment on her back. Last year Halep hurt her ankle in the final.

Halep was fresh off a three-set battle against Maria Sharapova in the semifinals.

It’s the Ukrainian’s third title of the year, the 12th of her career.

“I’m going to enjoy (going to) Roland Garros on a high note,”Svitolina said. Roland Garros begins on May 27.

Internazionali BNL d’Italia
May 14-20, 2018
Rome, Italy
$3,351,720

Singles – Final
[4] E. Svitolina (UKR) d [1] S. Halep (ROU) 60 64

Doubles – Final
[8] A. Barty (AUS) / D. Schuurs (NED) d [2] A. Sestini Hlavackova (CZE) / B. Strycova (CZE) 63 64