World No.1 Iga Swiatek has maintained her domination of American Coco Gauff, beating the US Open champion for the 10th time in 11 matches to reach the final of the Italian Open in Rome.
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The two biggest young stars in the women's game are likely to do battle many more times in their careers but Gauff has a lot of work to do if she is to make it a real rivalry with the Pole.
She defeated Swiatek in Cincinnati last summer but has failed to win a set in the other 10 matches and, despite a great start on the Italian clay, fell to a 6-4 6-3 loss on Thursday.
Swiatek is on an 11-match winning streak after lifting the trophy in Madrid a fortnight ago and will bid to make it back-to-back titles this weekend.
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka awaits her in Saturday's final after she overcame American Danielle Collins 7-5 6-2.
Gauff, who lost to Swiatek in her first grand slam final at the French Open two years ago, came out firing, breaking serve at the first opportunity.
She had two chances to make it 3-0 but could not convert them and from there the top seed began to take control, eventually winning the opening set when Gauff's serve let her down.
The American fought hard to try to stay with Swiatek in the second set and had one chance to get back on serve at 4-3 but she could not take it and her challenge came to an end shortly afterwards.
Australian Associated Press
