In what might fairly be described as an unexpected final, Barbora Krejcikova, a former-French Open champion, will take on Jasmine Paolini, the recent French Open finalist, for the Wimbledon title. Both have played some excellent tennis to reach the final and both will no doubt be determined to get their hands on the title. But who will come out on top come Saturday?
Wimbledon Final Prediction
Barbora Krejcikova vs Jasmine Paolini
Jim: Paolini has looked better and better so far at Wimbledon, demolishing Emma Navarro in the last eight before battling back from the brink of defeat against an inspired Donna Vekic. But she has not played an opponent quite like Krejcikova yet, nor beaten anyone with the Czech’s experience. After all, not only is Krejcikova a former champion at Roland Garros, but she has also won seven doubles titles, including two at Wimbledon. That experience, combined with her considerable court-craft, might just give her the edge here.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Jordan: Krejcikova proved she is the expert at disarming power in her last three victories against Danielle Collins, Jelena Ostapenko and Barbora Krejcikova. That means the Czech will not be intimidated by Paolini’s firepower. But the Italian showed she has other skills against Donna Vekic. Like Krejcikova, she can change the pace with her slice and likes coming forward to the net. This will likely be very tight, but Paolini is narrowly favoured to win the title. She will have learned a lot from her recent major final experience at the French Open, which may help her stay composed during long rallies against Krejcikova.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Rachel: This match will be intriguing. The only time they’ve played was in 2018 in the first round of qualifying at the AO, where Krejcikova prevailed. It’s an understatement to say that a lot has changed since, with Krejcikova winning a French Open title in 2021 and Paolini becoming a finalist there this year.
They are both aggressive all-court players with an arsenal of weapons at their disposal. Krejcikova is resurgent, having struggled in recent years to find the form that helped her win her first Grand Slam title. Paolini comes in with buckets of confidence and has been tested multiple times over the past two weeks. It’s almost a toss-up as to who will come out on top, but I back the Italian to make good on her second chance at a Grand Slam trophy in less than six weeks.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Main photo credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
