It promises to be a great final at the WTA Birmingham Classic. Both Yulia Putintseva and two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic have an opportunity to win a first title on grass. As always, we at LWOT give our prediction and analysis for the showpiece match in Birmingham. But which player do you think will claim the title?
WTA Birmingham Final Prediction
Yulia Putintseva vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Head-to-head: Putintseva 4-1 Tomljanovic
Both women have surprised many by reaching this stage. Tomljanovic’s results had been mixed since she returned from a long injury, while Putintseva’s least successful surface throughout her career has been grass. But they have confounded those expectations with impressive runs in Birmingham. Tomljanovic defeated Anna Blinkova, Zhu Lin, Leylah Fernandez, and Anastasia Potapova to reach the final. Putintseva’s victories so far have been against Clara Burel, Anhelina Kalinina, Caroline Dolehide, and Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
The Kazakhstani comfortably leads the head-to-head record. However, their last two meetings were very close, and this will also be their first match on grass. Despite Putintseva’s strong performances so far in Birmingham, grass undoubtedly represents Tomljanovic’s best chance of beating Putintseva. It is the surface the Australian flourishes on most when she is at her best, which is demonstrated by her two Wimbledon quarterfinal appearances.
Putintseva is very quick and difficult to get the ball past. Therefore, Tomljanovic’s backhand, which is her best shot, has to be firing on all cylinders. Putintseva possesses an effective slice, meaning Tomljanovic will need to be ready to be aggressive off balls bouncing near her shoelaces. Being brave and staying up on the baseline will also be critical, especially since Putintseva has one of the best drop shots in tennis.
This is a very difficult final to call, but Putintseva is backed to win a tight battle. Her craftiness, ability to vary the pace of her shots, and athleticism may disrupt Tomljanovic’s rhythm enough over the course of the match. Putintseva has struggled to show those skills on grass in the past, but that has not been the case so far in Birmingham.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA TODAY Sports
