The stage is set for a thrilling finale at the ATP Washington Open. Two top-10 seeds were able to navigate their way through tough draws and are one win away from winning the title on Sunday. On one side, we have Sebastian Korda, who will be going for his second ATP Tour title and his first on home soil. On the other is Flavio Cobolli, who is in his first tour-level final. It will be an aesthetically pleasing match in terms of their game styles. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our prediction for the final. But who will lift the trophy?
ATP Washington Final Prediction
Sebastian Korda vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-Head: Korda 1-0 Cobolli
Flavio Cobolli is a rising talent, and stars aligned for him this week as he reaches his first tour-level final. Cobolli has lost a lot of close matches in the last few months but won some of them this week. He has been extremely clutch this week, saving five match points in the third round against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and winning close matches in the quarterfinals and semifinals. He is lightning-fast and has a big and heavy forehand. Cobolli has an all-court game, and his composure is beyond his age.
Sebastian Korda played a flawless match against Frances Tiafoe to reach the final. This will be his second final of the year and first at the Washington Open. His spot serving has been incredible this week, getting broken only once. He faced only one break point all match against Frances Tiafoe and never looked under pressure. Korda has been very steady from the baseline, and his controlled aggression is perfect for these courts. The American player has lost his last six tour-level finals and will be desperate to win one.
It was a close match when these two played on the clay courts of the Italian Open in Rome, with Korda winning in the third set. Cobolli was constantly burning Shelton at the net, and Korda would not give him that opportunity. Korda has a better serve of the two, but Cobolli’s defense and forehand on the run can frustrate him. With the backing of the crowd and the match being played on a hard court, I give a slight edge to Korda.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
