Svitolina stars in Rouen Open; Rune claims Barcelona title

ROUEN: Top seed Elina Svitolina picked up her first title in nearly two years with a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) win over the Serbian Olga Danilovic in the final of the ATP event in Rouen on Sunday.

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The 30-year-old Ukrainian, who has been back on the circuit for just two months after a break for maternity leave, last won a title in Strasbourg in 2023.

Her only final since then came in Auckland in January 2024 when she lost in three sets to Coco Gauff.

"I feel confident about my game," said Svitolina who did not drop a set all week.

"I trust my game. When I play well, it's difficult to beat me. I have to keep a very strong mindset and keep fighting.

"I had great matches. I feel good with my footwork, with my body. I feel like I'm ready for the clay court season. There couldn't be a better start of the clay court season."

The former world No.3 had to work hard in the second set as she faced two set points at 4-6 down in the tiebreak before coming back to win the 18th title of her career with seven of those coming on clay.