We’re up to the final match. Two first-time Slam finalists will square off for their maiden Slam titles titles on Saturday afternoon in Flushing Meadows. Our five panelists predicting the final match between Sloane Stephens and Madison keys are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Steen Kirby, writers Brett Margolies and Ryan Schick, and guest Donald King.
Panelists Predictions US Open Women’s Final
Sloane Stephens vs Madison Keys
Yesh:
Both Stephens and Keys looked impressive in their own ways on Thursday. Stephens gutted out an impressive win over an in-form Venus Williams, while Keys was dominant over Coco Vandeweghe. There’s so little to separate how well these two are playing right now, so I’ll go with the one who overcame more adversity getting to the final.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Ryan:
Sloane Stephens seems to finally be reaching the level of the player many tennis fans hoped she would be. Coming off a foot surgery, she is playing better than ever, jumping from 935th in the world to the top 30 even with a finals loss, and an impressive battle to beat the 7-time champion Venus Williams. Madison Keys has made multiple Premier finals in her career, and this season came through with a victory in the US Open series event at Stanford, riding her huge forehand just like she has done to get her to the final in New York. She will continue to play her powerful game, and Stephens’ consistency will help her put up a fight, but Keys’ power will lead her to the title in a very close match.
Prediction: Keys in 3
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Donald:
These young American phenoms have finally begun to realize their potential, meeting in an All-American US Open final. Keys will start hot again, but Stephens will run down every ball and outlast her countrywoman for her first Major.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Brett:
I wasn’t sure what to expect when the tournament started, but this final is definitely one of the better matches we could’ve seen. Sloane Stephens is coming in to the final full of confidence after an unimaginable run this summer. After back to back semifinal appearances in Toronto and Cincinnati, she’s now in the final of her home Slam. Keys, on the other hand, is playing great as well, but a MTO in the second set of her win against Coco Vandeweghe was a bit concerning. Stephens owns the H2H 1-0 with a win in Miami in 2015; I like her chances to make it 2-0 and win her first Major (and won’t be the last) .
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Steen:
Keys looked red hot in the semifinals. Stephens has made a magical run coming off a long layoff, but Keys is the player to beat.
Predictoin: Keys in 2
Main Photo:
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