We are in for a blockbuster women’s final at the US Open as the top two women in the world battle for a Major trophy. These will be the top two ranked women on Monday. The only reason they aren’t already is because Wimbledon didn’t get ranking points this year. As always, our writers share their thoughts on the matches. Predicting this match are Johnny Connell, Fraser Learmonth, Damian Kust, and Jack Edward. Who do you think will win?
US Open Women’s Final Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Ons Jabeur
Fraser:
Ons Jabeur takes on Iga Swiatek in a battle that should feature amazing variety, power and spectacular shot making. Both players are comfortable in all areas of the court and have plenty of tricks in the bag as far as mixing things up is concerned. Swiatek probably has more power off the ground, but not by much.
Perhaps the biggest advantage the Polish superstar has is a mental one. She’s been here and done this twice at the French Open. She’s won several WTA 1000 titles and she’s been the world number one and best player in the game for almost all of 2022. By contrast, Jabeur fell short at Wimbledon and will have to overcome those demons here.
I struggle to see that happening and think Swiatek finds her best in this match which is simply better than anything anyone else can produce.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Johnny:
A blockbuster championship matchup between the two best players in the world right now. Swiatek is the clear number 1 in terms of rankings, but I think Jabeur has what it takes to pull off the upset on Saturday evening. It is the Tunisian who has been playing at a higher level this tournament in my opinion, this seems like her moment to step up and become a Major champion.
Swiatek has looked shaky in most of her matches. Luckily for her, the opposition she faced weren’t good enough to capitalize. Jabeur will be good enough to capitalize. Swiatek’s impressive record in finals gives pause for thought, but all good things must come to an end.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Damian:
Despite being high seeds and already having a Grand Slam final under their belt this year, it feels like neither was treated seriously coming into this tournament. Both had tough warm-up campaigns and especially the World No. 1 seemed completely lost with the speed of the surface and the lighter balls. But they’ve excelled at finding a way and that’s how they’re here.
Jabeur was serving incredibly well against Garcia and that’s where she’ll need to look for an advantage. Swiatek’s movement is absolutely phenomenal and she’s been pulling herself out of a lot of sticky situations along the way with it. If she can keep playing with a bit more margin in a matchup that should allow her at least a bit of freedom to dictate, she could end up playing her best match of the fortnight and taking the trophy.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Jack:
For all her struggles in the first few rounds, Ons Jabeur was finally rewarded with a stress-free semifinal from Caroline Garcia. The Tunisian served impeccably and was given enough nervy points from her opponent to roll in straight sets. Having survived for most of the tournament, Jabeur served with nothing to lose, the occasion of the match seemingly lost in her focus.
Funnily enough, Iga Swiatek has had a similar situation on the opposite side of the draw. Despite her complaints about the balls at the start of the tournament, she’s found a way throughout, especially in her last three rounds. By her own admission in fact, she gains more satisfaction and confidence from finding a way to win when she’s not playing 100%.
Though many may have picked these players to be in the final at the start of the tournament, the players have surprised themselves in getting this far. This could make for a final played with reckless abandon which would suit Jabeur if she can continue to serve as well as she did against Garcia. Still Swiatek seems to squeak through matches more often than not when she is swinging for the fences.
Jabeur will keep it tight but Swiatek’s 2022 is about to become even more historic.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
