We have made it. The fourth and final women’s singles Grand Slam final will take place on Saturday afternoon inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 2023 US Open has provided its patrons with terrific tennis over the past few weeks. On Saturday, a champion will be crowned as No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka squares off against No. 6 seed Coco Gauff. Sabalenka is on the hunt for her second slam title of the year. Gauff is looking to capture her maiden slam title. We at LWOT have worked together to produce a roundtable of predictions for the women’s US Open final. Read on to see the analysis and prediction from Jack Edward, Jordan Reynolds, Nurein Ahmed, Shane Black, and Yesh Ginsburg.
US Open Women’s Final Prediction
Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff
Jack:
Can Aryna Sabalenka beat the new and improved Coco Gauff? My first instinct is to fear the worst for the Belarusian. Gauff’s made real steps forward in her game, showing aggressive intent on the serve and sharpening up the variety and consistency of her forehand. It will be more difficult for Sabalenka to pressure Gauff on serve than before and she will have to put a few extra balls in the court to win points than she might be used to.
Consider this too, however. Sabalenka has played four big finals this year. In three out of four of them (though even Indian Wells had its moments), she has brought some of her absolute best to the court. In those three finals, the conditions were lightning fast and her serve followed suit. With one hurdle left, in these conditions, I can see Sabalenka’s game breaking through Gauff’s defences.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Jordan:
Sabalenka’s incredible comeback against Madison Keys in the semifinal was the drama we have been waiting for in the women’s draw. In truth I think both players need to raise their games despite their semifinal wins. Aside from an exciting end to the match, Gauff benefited from an underwhelming display by Karolína Muchova. Sabalenka’s fighting spirit was amazing, but she cannot afford to start like she did against Keys in the final. If Sabalenka finds her level from her first five matches she can beat Gauff and the home crowd. Will she do it? My instinct is yes. Her extra firepower could be the slight difference on the biggest stage.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Nurein:
Sabalenka came through a rollercoaster in Thursday’s semifinal. Not many people believed she stood a chance of salvaging the situation being just a game away from defeat. But that is what the 2023 season has been all about – Aryna Sabalenka dominating the rest of the field and problem-solving her way out of the mire.
Coco Gauff is the in-form player of this year’s US swing, winning the most matches of any player and it was almost inevitable she would get here. I think this narrative that Gauff’s abject lack of experience on the big stage will count against her is a bit overstated. But we cannot overlook the fact that Gauff has stumbled quite a few times than Sabalenka at this tournament, which is why I’m leaning towards the second seed here. She’s got her game together and has been very efficient when chances have presented themselves. The danger for Gauff is that expectations have gone through the roof, can she maintain her poise and concentration and fight off the nerves? I doubt.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Shane:
This US Open final sets up to be an instant classic as two of the best hardcourt players in the world will square off for the title. Sabalenka’s comeback in the semis was nothing short of extraordinary. She has raised her level in crucial moments all season. Gauff is 17-1 since Wimbledon and is playing the best tennis of her career. The young American must keep her composure and rely on her variety to move Sabalenka around the court. Ultimately, I think the power and serving prowess will be the difference for the No. 2 seed.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Yesh:
If Aryna Sabalenka plays the same way in the final as she did in the semis, she has no chance. Then again, Gauff hasn’t been at her best this tournament, and has been aided by poor showings from her opponents in the last two rounds. The winner of this match will be the one who finds their best form the longest. To me, right now, that’s most likely to be Gauff.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch -USA TODAY Sports
