The final is set at the WTA 250 in Cluj-Napoca with Ana Bogdan and Karolina Pliskova breaking through a competitive draw. It is a fairly surprise final with Bogdan the #8 seed in the draw and Pliskova unseeded. Both players are surely deserving of their place in the final with convincing runs to the final. Bogdan knocked off the tournament’s #1 seed Arantxa Rus on her way to the final and Pliskova has been dominant, reaching the final without dropping a set. It should be an interesting clash between two veterans who play different styles of tennis.
WTA Cluj-Napoca Final Prediction
Ana Bogdan vs Karolina Pliskova
Head-to-head: 3-0 Pliskova
As each player has been on tour over a decade, they are fairly familiar with each other facing off for the fourth time. They have played just once since 2018 though, and it was a close three-setter won by Pliskova in Doha last year. Pliskova has struggled since an injury in 2022 but has looked like her old dominant self this week. She has not dropped a set this week and has lost just 11 games in her last three matches. Bogdan has had a tougher draw and it has not been easy. Each of her matches have been close, highlighted by her come back against Rus in the quarterfinal where she was down a break in both the second and third sets after losing the first.
The match itself will see two different styles facing off. Pliskova relies on her large frame with a big serve and a powerful forehand to keep points quick and hit through her opponents. Bogdan is smaller and much more defensive-focused and will try and force Pliskova into errors. When Pliskova is locked in as she looks to be, she should have the advantage by commanding points with Bogdan lacking the power to hit back. They are in similarly good form but fitness will be big here. Bogdan has spent over six hours on court the last two days while Pliskova has spent just two and a half. Pliskova will be fresher and has the matchup advantage and will hoist the trophy.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
