Three-time slam champion Stan Wawrinka turned it on again in Paris and is looking for his second at Roland Garros title. Wawrinka will have an uphill climb to get the trophy though, as a red-hot Rafael Nadal has his sights set on title #10 at Roland Garros. Steen Kirby, Niall Clarke, and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions on which of these legends will take the title.
(3)Stan Wawrinka vs. (4)Rafael Nadal
Steen: Both players have carved out places for themselves in tennis history that will have plenty of staying power, Nadal as the king of clay, and Wawrinka as a late bloomer who has gone on to have a fantastic clear, with at least three slam titles, and a place as a clear contender in a strong era for the men’s game. Nadal is a clear favorite given his 5-1 clay h2h against Stan and the fact he hasn’t even been challenged in a set this week, not dropping one in six matches. Wawrinka showed plenty of gusty fight in five set victory over Andy Murray, but Nadal is another beast entirely. Wawrinka can bother Rafa, but the Spaniard has been so solid on serve this week he should put on a clinic at times in this match and take it deservedly. Nadal in 3
Niall: Nadal-Wawrinka is a great final between two different styles. Stan seems to always raise his game in finals but Nadal at Roland Garros is the biggest test in tennis. I expect a close match with many different turns but Nadal is fresher of the two and i expect him to outlast Wawrinka in a classic to win La Decima. Nadal in 5
Yesh: It would be utter folly to pick against Nadal in the final. Even though I honestly think that Wawrinka at his best should be able to beat Nadal on clay, actually predicting it would be insane. I wouldn’t bet on Rafa, because I truly believe that Stan at his best will win, but I’m not dumb enough to bet against him either. Nadal in 5
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