We’re back! It’s the last women’s singles match of the French Open, between Serena Williams and Garbine Muguruza. Our panelists are here to predict just how the final will go. Today’s panelists are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), along with LWOS columnists Jake Davies, Harry Dry, and Jason Fernandes. Also, please check out our predictions of the men’s final.
Panelists Predictions French Open Women’s Final
Yesh:
Muguruza has beaten Serena here before, but a final is a bit different than an early-round match. Then again, Muguruza is a much better player than she was two years ago. Serena looked vulnerable against Putinseva and against an injured Bertens. Crazy as it is, I feel like Muguruza is the favorite here. This should be an intense battle either way, though.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Jake:
Serena goes into the match as the favorite just like she does in any match, but don’t write Muguruza off. Muguruza’s biggest win of her career was beating Serena at Roland Garros in 2014 in the second round 6-2 6-2.
Muguruza has the attacking, no-holds-barred brand of tennis than can throttle Serena when she’s not playing her best tennis. In their previous meeting at the French Open, Muguruza hit hard and consistently in the center of the court but with a lot of depth and that continuously jammed up Serena, catching her off guard.
Muguruza’s experienced the better tournament, barely dropping sets and playing the best tennis she’s played all year. Serena hasn’t been that convincing, but she constantly finds way to get the win, which is why she’ll still be the favorite in this match up.
Prediction: Serena in 3
Jason
Despite losing in straight sets in her first Grand Slam final to Serena Williams last year, Garbine Muguruza gave a good account of the future potential she has in the game. With the experience of playing in the biggest of matches in the sport, combined with the fact she trashed Serena Williams 6-2 6-2 here 2 years ago, I believe the time for Muguruza to shine has finally come. With the experience of that previous Roland Garros match against Williams and last year’s Wimbledon final, she’s in good stead for tomorrow’s final. Serena’s serve won’t be as effective on this surface as it was at Wimbledon and the higher bounce and time on shots will benefit Muguruza and she’ll win her maiden Slam here.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Harry:
Serena Williams is a winner. She always wins. Any isolated setback typically results in a greater end game win. Her record against Sharapova is a prime example of this. Two years ago, Murguruza dispatched her 2 and 2, and since then Serena, as she does with everybody, evened the rivalry (in last year’s Wimbledon final, no less).
Grand Slam number 22 will be easier to close out than Grand Slam number 1 and so in any tight set I feel Serena has another advantage.
Prediction: Serena in 3
Enjoy what you read? Check out all of LWOS’ complete coverage of the 2016 French Open.
