Stearns Stuns Svitolina in a Thrilling Match to Reach Rome Semifinals

In a match that started later than expected, the second semifinal of the WTA 1000 in Rome lived up to its promise as Peyton Stearns faced Elina Svitolina.

A two-time champion in the Italian capital (2017 and 2018), the Ukrainian entered as the favorite against the American, who was playing just her second career WTA 1000 quarterfinal.

However, despite an early two-game lead, Svitolina struggled to find her rhythm for most of the match. While the two had never faced each other before, Stearns showed no nerves in her first WTA 1000 semifinal appearance.

Dominating the rallies, the 23-year-old unleashed a barrage of winners, leaving Svitolina scrambling for answers. Stearns reeled off eight consecutive games to take control—what seemed like a decisive lead at the time.

But Svitolina, currently ranked 14th in the world and 7th in the Race, proved why she was once a former world No. 3. With her back against the wall at 2-6, 2-4, 0-40, she surged back, winning the next four games to level the match, capitalizing on her opponent’s growing physical struggles.

The third set began much like the end of the second, with Svitolina racing to a 3-0 double-break lead. That’s when Stearns called a medical timeout for discomfort in her left thigh.

Returning with renewed determination, the American clawed her way back, forcing a decisive tiebreak. Steadier in the clutch, Stearns ultimately prevailed (6-2, 4-6, 7-6 in 2h38) in a rollercoaster match that ended at 1 a.m.

Having already won her last two matches—against Madison Keys and Naomi Osaka—in third-set tiebreaks, Stearns repeated the feat against Svitolina, securing her first-ever WTA 1000 semifinal.

Now guaranteed to break into the top 30 after the tournament, she will face Jasmine Paolini—who also advanced after a dramatic comeback against Diana Shnaider—for a spot in the final in the Eternal City.