We’re up to the last match of this year’s Wimbledon. It’s the ageless wonder, Venus Williams, against rising young superstar Garbine Muguruza. Muguruza reached the final here in 2015, losing to Serena Williams, while this is Venus’ ninth final here, having won five titles so far. Our panelists unanimously picked the correct final in our semifinal predictions, so you don’t want to miss what we have to say about the final. Today’s panelists predicting the final are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Steen Kirby, writers Brett Margolies, Ryan Schick, and Vithun Illankovan, and guest Donald King.
Garbine Muguruza vs Venus Williams
Brett:
After Venus Williams and Garbine Muguruza breezed through their semifinal matches, one of these two will have their hands on the trophy come Saturday. It makes sense that they’re playing in the final as they really seemed to be playing the best on the women’s side. I think a key come Saturday will be experience. Venus has the five Wimbledon singles titles already and without her younger sister in action she realizes this is the best chance she’ll get to get her hands on number six. I think she’ll come out swinging from the start putting pressure on Muguruza as she wins Wimbledon for the first time since 2008.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Vithun:
My prediction at the end of 2016 of Muguruza winning one of either the French Open or Wimbledon this year is looking very possible. She is playing the better tennis out of these two but I believe the majority of the crowd will be supporting Venus. I think with Venus can make this an epic final with her fighting spirit, but unlike 2005 will be on the losing side this time.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Ryan:
Muguruza finds herself in familiar territory, a former Wimbledon finalist and a major champion. Venus has defied all odds to reach this point at age 37, not only displaying longevity but overcoming illness. The final will be an entertaining battle between two great players where Venus continues the incredibly high level she is playing at and takes the title.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Yesh:
Honestly, Muguruza has looked more dominant this entire tournament. But Venus knows her way around the grass, and this story is just too good for it not to end in another triumph for the elder Williams sister.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Steen:
A great story either way. I’ll go with Venus; her experience and will to win is the key x-factor in this matchup. With sister Serena on the sidelines, she’s going to take this opportunity to win Wimbledon again.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Donald:
Venus Williams has reached yet another Wimbledon final. She will attempt to win her sixth title, nine years removed from her fifth. Venus will run her record to 4-1 head-to-head against Garbine Muguruza, and will earn her sixth Venus Rosewater Dish. This should serve as the capstone to Venus’ sure-to-be Hall of Fame career, as it is unlikely that she’ll be able to win another Major, due to her Sjogren’s Syndrome and her sister’s expected return to the WTA tour in 2018.
Prediction: Williams in 2
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