We are up to the women’s US Open final. Will Serena Williams finally take home Grand Slam #24? Can Bianca Andreescu become the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title? History is on the line in New York on Saturday. Who will win? We offer you our thoughts on the match. Predicting this match are Tracey Essex, Steen Kirby, Eric Han and Jim Smith,
US Open Final Prediction
Serena Williams vs Bianca Andreescu
Tracey:
Serena Williams seems to improve with every match played. It’s been a remarkable, focused performance from the American superstar. In what should have been a battle, Serena dismantled Elina Svitolina, losing just four games en route to her semifinal win. Serena played with precision and power winning 86% of her first serves in play. And, she backed that up winning 63% of her second service points. The #8 seed offered few free points, keeping unforced errors to a minimum and but one double fault.
Bianca Andreescu will certainly have her work cut out for her. In a see-saw semifinal against Belinda Bencic, Andreescu’s seven aces were offset by her nine double faults. But, the Canadian superstar commanded in the biggest moments. The teen simply finds a way to win, and there are few players who can match Andreescu’s powerful return of serve. This should be an absolute battle with the win crafted by the better play at the critical junctures. If Serena can remain clam and forget that she’s trying for the elusive 24th Slam title, she’ll be holding it at the end.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Steen:
We’ve seen this story before: Serena Williams facing an upstart youngster with history on the line. Last year it was Naomi Osaka in an upset; this time Bianca Andreescu will attempt to pull off the same feat. The young Canadian is certainly capable, but this is her first Slam final and Serena is seeking a 7th US Open. Andreescu has much promise but I can’t go against Serena here.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Eric:
It should be a close match between the two. But Serena has been playing so well and will want this win badly. I think the pressure will get to the young Canadian in the final, but a three-setter is possible. Should be a close one, but Serena will eventually prevail and create history.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Jim:
This is a really difficult match to call. On paper Williams should be the favorite, but she has failed to live up to expectations in her last three Grand Slam finals. Andreescu, meanwhile, has never competed in a match of this magnitude before. This could well be a thriller, but if Williams can keep her composure, she should have enough to get across the line. Just.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
