No panic, no rush. Just a single, decisive strike precisely when it counted the most.
With the second set tied at 5-5, Elina Svitolina identified her opportunity. Following a demanding rally that pushed both players to their limits across the court, the Ukrainian star unleashed a powerful forehand down the line. It was hit with absolute precision and zero hesitation, resulting in a clean winner. Her subsequent reaction perfectly captured the moment: a powerful roar breaking through the silence in the Rouen arena.
That pivotal point proved critical in her 6-4, 7-6 (8) victory over Olga Danilovic. This win sealed Svitolina’s first tournament title of the 2025 season and the 18th of her professional career. The final match lasted just under two hours, and although Svitolina maintained control, the contest felt challenging and closely fought until the very end.
As the top seed in Rouen, Svitolina navigated the entire week without dropping a single set. She showcased sharp, physically demanding tennis, but her key advantage was in the fine details – her intelligent decision-making on when to absorb pressure, when to push forward aggressively, and when to take calculated risks.
This championship victory marked her first title since her win in Strasbourg in 2023, serving as another significant milestone in her consistent and composed return to the sport`s top level.
In a final that featured numerous challenging exchanges, it was ultimately that one clean, perfectly executed forehand that made all the difference and secured her the title.
