A blockbuster championship match is set for Sunday at the WTA Chicago Fall Tennis Classic. This match is important for multiple reasons–it’s not just a title up for grabs, but both finalists are on the edge of qualification for the upcoming WTA Finals in Guadalajara. Who do you think will emerge victorious?
WTA Chicago Final Prediction
Garbine Muguruza vs Ons Jabeur
H2H: 1-1
Garbine Muguruza couldn’t have asked for an easier path to the final. A bye, two walkovers, a 6-4 6-4 win over world #71 Ann Li, and a 6-3 6-2 win over world #200 Mai Hontama. Ons Jabeur has displayed some ruthless tennis this week, a 6-0 6-1 win over Su-Wei Hsieh was a flawless start to the week, followed by a 1-6 6-2 6-3 defeat of Jessica Pegula and a 6-4 6-2 triumph against the top seeded Elina Svitolina. Jabeur has had her own share of luck, the Tunisian led Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-2 in their semifinal clash before the Kazakh retired injured.
Jabeur defeat Muguruza 5-7 6-3 6-2 in their most recent meeting at Wimbledon earlier this year. Muguruza previously defeated Jabeur 3-6 6-3 7-5 at the Hobart International in 2020. This is an interesting match-up because of the contrasting techniques, Muguruza is powerful but very rigid in her approach. Jabeur also possess great firepower but plays with great variety, freedom and style.
I’ll be siding with Jabeur here. Jabeur has been one of the most consistent players all season. With 44 wins to her name in 2021 Jabeur has won more matches than anyone else on tour. Muguruza’s best is great, but consistency is still an issue for her, the Spaniard hasn’t really been tested this week and that could work against her in championship match. Jabeur has more to her game and has proven herself in this match-up.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
