It’s finally here. We’re up to the final of the US Open, where Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber will meet big-serving Karolina Pliskova, who is in her first Grand Slam final. Our panelists today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), John Lupo, and Niall Murray.
Panelists Predictions US Open Women’s Final
Karolina Pliskova vs Angelique Kerber
Yesh:
Pliskova has been playing incredible attacking tennis recently, and her results since Cincinnati are beyond impressive. It’s honestly a little reminiscent of Juan Martin Del Potro in 2009. Kerber is the new World #1, though, and will want to seal that with a title. Pliskova showed lots of nerves against Serena Williams but managed to serve her way out of it. Kerber has a better return and will keep more balls in play, giving Pliskova’s nerves a real chance to take their toll. I think the German has this.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
John:
In what should be a wide-open final, the Czech and German vie for their first US Open crown. Pliskova has defeated Venus and Serena Williams as well as future star Ana Konjuh. Her serve has been working beautifully, but she runs into the new #1 player in the world, regardless of what the computer rankings say. Kerber will look to engage in long rallies while the 10th seed will want to keep the points short and dictate with her powerful game. They played the final of Stanford with Kerber coming out on top while Pliskova won convincingly in Cincinnati to cost the German the #1 ranking. While a Pliskova victory would not be a surprise at all, Kerber is playing too well to lose and she’ll bookend her year with majors.
Prediction: Kerber in 3 extremely close sets
Niall:
It wasn’t the final many people were expecting, but it promises to be a fascinating match up. Plíšková has displayed an extremely calm demeanour given that she had never made it past the third round of a Slam prior to this tournament. Her serve will play a huge factor as always and she’ll have to be consistent if she wants to defeat the new World #1. Kerber will undoubtedly be the favourite. Flushing Meadows has further showcased The German’s great court coverage and just how dangerous she is off both the forehand and backhand wings. Plíšková may have come out on top in the pair’s last meeting in Cincinnati, but I think the outcome will be different this time around. With the #1 ranking in the bag, I believe it is Kerber’s time to shine.
Predicition: Kerber in 3
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