We have reached the final of the 2021 French Open. One of these two women will be crowned a new Grand Slam champion. But which woman will take home her maiden Major title? Our writers offer their thoughts on this thrilling matchup. Who will win? Jim Smith, Andrew Watson, David Gertler, Nurein Ahmed, and Ryan Schick all share their outlook on Saturday’s French Open women’s final.
French Open Women’s Final Prediction
Barbora Krejcikova vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Jim:
This may not have been the final that anyone was expecting at the start of the tournament, but both Krejcikova and Pavlyuchenkova have more than earned their chance to win a Major title. But it may well be the Russian who is the more confident heading into the match, particularly as Krejcikova has had to come through some bruising battles to reach this stage, not least her 9-7 win over Maria Sakkari in the third set of their semifinal. With Pavlyuchenkova that much more experienced–in singles at least–and blessed with more options from the baseline, expect the Russian to just about have the edge.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Andrew:
I can’t describe how much I’m looking forward to this final. Two wonderful stories and underrated players get the chance to show what they are capable of on the big stage. The stats slightly edge towards the Czech–her service hold percentage is 5% better than the Russian’s and that will be the big challenge for Pavlyuchenkova. Krejcikova showed she had the battling spirit to fend off Sakkari in the semifinal, so her mental toughness is there. I think that Krejcikova is going to just about edge an instant classic. Grab the popcorn.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
David:
Barbora Krejcikova is having the run of her life in singles, saving a match point to beat Maria Sakkari. Krejcikova’s backhand has been firing all tournament and her touch and net game are superb. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is playing terrific tennis, taking down Tamara Zidansek to reach the final. Pavlyuchenkova has been playing with a very high level of controlled aggression from the baseline. This match is tough to call, but I trust the Pavlyuchenkova return game more and think that her ability to still put pace on the ball while maintaining healthy margins of safety will propel her to victory in what should be a tense match.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Nurein:
Barbora Krejcikova has won a lot of admirers this fortnight and is on course to become the first WTA player ever to win both the Strasbourg and Roland Garros singles titles. She could actually do the treble, considering that she is also alive and kicking in the doubles draw in Paris–a feat achieved only once before in French Open history (winning Roland Garros singles and doubles in same fortnight).
Without being overly sentimental, the Czech will be the toughest opponent possible for Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The Russian has scaled past quality opposition in her incredible run to the final, but none of those players possess a game as unorthodox and as stealthy as Krejcikova’s. I feel a couple of things should tilt the outcome in the Czech’s favor. One of them is momentum, and the other is Krejcikova’s ability to absorb everything thrown at her like a sponge, and wait patiently for the right moment to unleash.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Ryan:
Though both are first time finalists, Pavlyuchenkova has the experience edge on this stage. She finally broke her curse of losing six straight Major quarterfinals and picked up plenty of experience in those losses. Krejcikova is newer to the big stage, though she has been more dominant here. She has dropped just two sets and is riding an 11-match win streak.
Krejcikova will have to adjust to a much more solid player in Pavlyuchenkova after a grinding match against Maria Sakkari full of unforced errors. Pavlyuchenkova will play solid tennis and limit her errors in a nervy final, and Krejcikova will feel the miles in her legs after a long semifinal plus continuing to play doubles. Pavlyuchenkova will highlight a long, great career with her first Grand Slam title.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
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