We are finally up to the US Open final, and it looks to be a great match. History will be on the line as well. Either Serena Williams will tie Margaret Court’s all-time record for Grand Slams won at 24, or Osaka will pick up her first Slam win. Which will it be? Our panelists are here to tell you. Predicting this match are writers Brett Margulies, Nurein Ahmed, Eric Han, and Manuel Traquete, editors Yesh Ginsburg and Steen Kirby, along with guest picker Donald King.

Panelists Predictions US Open Women’s Final

Serena Williams vs Naomi Osaka

Brett:
Naomi Osaka has shown that the moment hasn’t been too big for her up to this point. She didn’t show any signs of nerves throughout her title run earlier this year in Indian Wells but facing your childhood idol in a grand slam final might be another story. Osaka dominated Serena in their lone meeting at the Miami Open when Serena was working her way back on tour. I expect this match to be completely different. I’d give a slight edge to Serena just based on experience alone. Osaka will eventually win many Majors in her career, but I like Serena’s chances to get her seventh US Open title on Saturday.
Prediction: Williams in 2

Eric:
Osaka looked fearless against Madison Keys, and was not broken once throughout the match. The Japanese also beat Serena earlier in Miami comfortably 6-3 6-2, but that was Serena’s second tournament after maternity leave, so she may have been rusty.

Serena will doubt to be nervous, as she will be thinking about her first Grand Slam title as a mother, and more importantly, equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles. However, as Osaka is in uncharted waters, and Serena has been in this situation so many times, I do expect Serena to win, but in three close sets.
Prediction: Williams in 3

Donald:
Osaka has had a fantastic 2018 US Open. She was superb against Keys in the Semis. Too bad it has to end. The savvy veteran–and greatest women’s tennis player of all time–will prevail.
Prediction: Williams in 2

Yesh:
Osaka has looked so good this entire tournament. She has been dominant throughout her matches and has never let the occasion get to her. She is definitely playing at a higher level than Serena right now. The only question is whether she can keep her nerves in check and if she can keep her intensity up. It’s tough, but I’ll say she can. This is going to be the start of a historic career.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
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Manuel:
Osaka has had a fairy tale run to the final, but beating Serena will probably be one step too far as the American continues to add to her case as the greatest WTA player of all-time.
Prediction: Williams in 2

Lukas:
Serena Williams is playing in her 31st Grand Slam Final while Naomi Osaka is playing in her first. Serena is coming into this match after winning in straight sets over Anastasia Sevastova 6-3 6-0. Serena won 11 of her last 12 games and was firing dominant serves of over 120 mph. Osaka also had a dominant performance over Madison Key,s winning in straight sets 6-3 6-4. The 20-year-old becomes the first Japanese woman to make a Grand Slam final as she staved off all 13 break point opportunities. For me, the experience of Serena proves to be vital in this moment. She is playing off the charts right now, as she tries to win her 24th Grand Slam, tying Margaret Court’s total. As great as Osaka’s run has been, I like Serena to hoist the US Open Trophy once again, winning her first Grand Slam as a mother. Prediction: Williams in 2

Steen:
Serena Williams played lights out in the semifinal, but in a non-traditional manner. She came to net effectively and along with a strong serve and baseline game it was too much for her opponent. Osaka has power but this is her first Slam final and under the lights I don’t see her being able to hang with Serena for the whole match.
Prediction: Williams in 2
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