Without question, this year’s French Open final is one of the most unexpected we’ve ever seen. In a year where the top four men’s seeds all made the semifinals, the women’s draw was full of upsets and intrigue. We now have two women who have never appeared in a Grand Slam final before. Who will win? Our panelists are split on this match, but one thing is clear. Everyone thinks this is going three. Predicting today are Harsh Bhoot, Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and myself (Yesh Ginsburg).
French Open Women’s Final Predictions: Marketa Vondrousova vs Asleigh Barty
Harsh:
The tournament draws to a close with a final that will be highly entertaining. Anisimova clearly battled nerves at the end but take nothing away from Barty who played out of her skin to get through. What about the lesser talked about teenager Marketa Vondrousova? She trailed in both sets but battled hard and played percentage tennis. Barty’s slice worked like a charm and will continue to do so but the lefty Czech should be capable of handling it. The Australian’s experience on tour just edges it for her.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Jim:
In a final that no one saw coming, Barty and Vondrousova now find themselves with a golden opportunity to claim a maiden Grand Slam title. Vondrousova has the more natural clay-court game and is still yet to drop a set after edging out Johanna Konta 7-5 7-6. Barty’s 5-7 6-3 6-3 win over Anisimova, meanwhile, was one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament. This should be a close contest between Barty’s skilful attacking play and Vondrousova’s excellent defence. But it just seems to be written in the stars for the Czech.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Damian:
Kindof unexpected, but both were in amazing form this season and certainly deserve their final berths. The big question here is the mental side to this match. Barty choked away a 5-0 lead today and lost the first set of her semifinal, while Vondrousova had terrible issues serving out her quarterfinal against Petra Martic. It’s really hard to determine who will be more scared of winning a Grand Slam for the first time. Barty’s slices can make it very tough for a not that powerful player but on a clay court they won’t hurt the Czech that much. Vondrousova is a much more natural player on the dirt and she seems to be just a bit more reliable under pressure.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Yesh:
Each of these players have shown extreme nerves this week, but both battled through it. Neither has won a Grand Slam before, and that will matter. Barty, though, is more experienced and more talented overall. Her wicked backhand slice can frustrate anyone. This could really go either way, and anyone can succumb to the nerves, but I think it looks far more likely for Barty to be the one who pulls through.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Main Photo:
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