The final of the fifth edition of the WTA Bad Homburg Open is set, and it features two great champions. Iga Swiatek is in her first final since the French Open last year, and that too without dropping a set. Top seed Jessica Pegula battled her way through another tough three-setter to reach the final. This is a highly anticipated clash between two of the best players in the world. But which player will lift the trophy?
WTA Bad Homburg Final Prediction
Iga Swiatek vs Jessica Pegula
Head-to-Head: Swiatek 4-6 Pegula
Iga Swiatek might not have had her best season so far, but she is still putting up impressive numbers and performances across the board. Only a final was missing for her, and she has achieved that in style this week. She defeated Jasmine Paolini by losing just four games. She completely dominated the match with her serve, making 76% of first serves and winning 81% behind it. If she continues serving like this, she will be extremely hard to beat for the remainder of the grass season.
Jessica Pegula got her first Top 10 win of the season in the quarterfinals, and she backed it up with another gutsy performance against Linda Noskova in the semifinal. Pegula survived a scare as Noskova served for the match in the second set before getting broken. That changed the momentum of the match completely, and Pegula ran away with it. Pegula’s experience was in full display as she kept fighting.
This is Swiatek’s first final on this surface, while Pegula is going for her second grass title. The American can break Swiatek’s rhythm with her flat and powerful strikes and gain the edge. Swiatek’s exceptional movement and defensive abilities, on the other hand, can force errors from Pegula, especially if she serves well and keeps her service games protected. If Swiatek builds enough pressure, she will have the edge. The former world No.1 has the advantage in the head-to-head, but Pegula has won three of the last five encounters. It’s a toss-up, but I am going with Swiatek to win her first grass title at this level.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
