Italian rising star Elisabetta Cocciaretto secured a spot in the Hobart International final on January 16, defeating Antonia Ruzic 6‑3, 6‑2 in just 79 minutes. The victory marks her sixth consecutive win of the season, fuels her confidence ahead of the Australian Open, and brings her close to a first WTA title.
Qualifier Triumphs to Reach Hobart Final
Starting the tournament in the qualifying draw, Cocciaretto won two qualifying matches before entering the main draw as a qualifier. She then compiled six straight victories, including wins over higher‑ranked opponents, demonstrating a powerful baseline game and mental resilience.
Dominant Performance Against Ruzic
Cocciaretto’s win over Ruzic showcased her aggressive play. She hit 23 winners while committing only 15 unforced errors. The Croatian managed just three games in the second set before the match concluded.
Implications for the Australian Open
The Hobart International serves as a key warm‑up event for the Australian Open. Cocciaretto’s form has already drawn attention, with analysts noting that deep runs in Hobart often translate into strong Grand Slam showings. Her confidence and ability to handle pressure points suggest she could be a dark horse in Melbourne.
Ranking and Seeding Boost
The six‑match winning streak earned Cocciaretto 280 ranking points, propelling her into the top 60. This points haul could secure her a seeded position at the Australian Open for the first time.
Financial Rewards
As a Hobart finalist, Cocciaretto is set to receive approximately $34,000 in prize money. Including qualifying rounds, her total earnings from the tournament are estimated at around $50,000, providing valuable resources for coaching, travel, and training.
Career Milestones and Future Outlook
This final marks Cocciaretto’s third appearance in a WTA final, following the 2022 Palermo Open and the 2023 Hobart final. Her recent successes indicate rapid progression from a promising junior to a genuine contender on the professional circuit.
What Lies Ahead
Looking forward to the Australian Open, Cocciaretto’s powerful forehand and improved serve are well‑suited to the fast hard courts. If she continues her Hobart momentum, she could challenge higher‑seeded players in the early rounds and make a significant impact.
Final Hurdle and Title Aspirations
The upcoming Hobart final will likely feature either Australian wildcard Ajla Tomljanović or American Taylor Townsend. Regardless of the opponent, Cocciaretto enters the match with unmatched confidence, a six‑match winning streak, and a clear goal: capture her first WTA title.