It is women’s singles final day at Wimbledon on Saturday and there is an enthralling, though surprising, clash for the Venus Rosewater Trophy in store for punters.
Barbora Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion and seeded 31st at the All England Club this year, takes on recent Roland Garros finalist and seventh seed Jasmine Paolini, who will be the first Italian in Wimbledon history to contest the women’s title match.
Wimbledon Tennis Tips
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Krejcikova may prove tough to beat now problems are behind her
Many questions have been asked about why Barbora Krejcikova has failed to add to, or even go close to adding to, her solitary Grand Slam singles triumph in the 2021 French Open. There is no logical reason why the Czech ace should not be able to shine on faster courts as well as slow ones.
A combination of the rise of world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, the improvement of Aryna Sabalenka and the coming of Coco Gauff, and seasons harmed by injury problems and health issues have prevented Krejcikova from being seen at her best.
But with her body back in better condition these days, Krejcikova has responded by embarking on a fine run at Wimbledon, although one which will have surprised most observers.
After a tight opener in the singles this year against Veronika Kudermetova, Krejcikova has ousted a host of decent opponents, culminating in her semi-final fightback victory over Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion who was installed favourite in the wake of Sabalenka not taking part in the tournament and the exits of Swiatek and Gauff.
Paolini has pretty much come from nowhere to enjoy a titanic breakthrough campaign in which she won the lucrative title in Dubai before reaching back-to-back finals at the French Open and now Wimbledon.
The Italian’s life has changed completely, but she is loving the limelight and looks sure to enjoy further success whether or not she triumphs in London on Saturday.
But while Paolini did well to edge past Donna Vekic in the semi-finals – the Croat struggled to get over the line in an emotion-filled clash – the Tuscan may get fewer opportunities to strut her stuff against Krejcikova, whose orthodox game may not chime well with her opponent’s free-flowing style.
Krejcikova has been installed a slight favourite to win the final and could be tough to stop if producing her A-game.
Paolini may do well to stem the tide if Czech produces her A-game
Both players have dropped only two sets on their paths to the final, but Krejcikova has lost only one set in her last six singles outings – that coming against Rybakina – and if the Czech gets going from the outset she may be difficult to rein in.
Krejcikova allowed Paolini just three games in their only previous meeting, in an Australian Open clash in 2018.
And while much water has flowed under the bridge since that Melbourne Park rumble – and Paolini is a much more complete performer these days – it is just possible that their second meeting could also result in one-way traffic with the Czech proving dominant.
Therefore, the chance can be taken to back Krejcikova to march to the title in straight sets.
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