In a powerful display of resilience and skill, Ukraine's top seed Elena Svitolina clinched the Auckland Classic title on Sunday, defeating China's Wang Xinyu in straight sets. This victory serves as a formidable statement just one week before the season's first Grand Slam, the Australian Open.
A Commanding Victory in the Final
The world number 13 secured her win with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) in a match dominated by baseline rallies. Remarkably, the contest featured only a single break of serve, highlighting the high level of play from both competitors. For Svitolina, this triumph in New Zealand represents her 19th career WTA title.
A Triumphant Return After a Break
This tournament marked Svitolina's first competitive appearance in four months. The 31-year-old former world number three had chosen to end her 2025 season early, citing mental health reasons. The break, it seems, paid rich dividends.
"It definitely feels amazing to win another title and especially after not a very pleasant end of year for me," an elated Svitolina said after the match. "That break really helped me to regroup and come back with new energy."
Implications for the Australian Open
Svitolina's form bodes well for her campaign in Melbourne. Last year, she reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open, which was the third time she had advanced to the last eight at the major. Her record in finals is exceptionally strong, having now won 19 titles from 23 final appearances on the WTA tour.
For her opponent, China's 24-year-old Wang Xinyu, this was only the second WTA final of her career. The 57th-ranked player, who is recovering from injury setbacks over the past two years, had previously qualified for her maiden final on grass in Berlin last year. Despite the loss, her performance in Auckland signals a promising return to form.
As the tennis world shifts its focus to Melbourne Park, Svitolina has firmly established herself as a player to watch, carrying momentum and renewed confidence from her impressive Auckland Classic win.
