When facing the toughest opponents in the world, there were too many occasions in Elina Svitolina’s past when she would simply play not to lose. In the decisive moments of her most important encounters, Svitolina was often punished for her tendency to simply put the ball in court rather than attacking freely.
With time, age and many tough losses behind her along with her great successes, however, the 31-year-old has come to truly understand the importance of playing on her own terms. She has evolved into a much bolder, more decisive player, and showed her progress by taking another massive step forward in a resurgent season, defeating Coco Gauff after three bruising and attritional sets to capture her first significant title in eight years at the Italian Open with a stellar 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2 win.
