[20] Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) vs. [27] Anett Kontaveit (EST)
The final is set and many would not have predicted these two as finalists; however, their respective teams may have. Both finalists are the future of the WTA Tour and Sabalenka recently announced that she is the real deal by capturing her first title earlier this season. Kontaveit is shoring up what she did last year and is looking to claim her second career title.
Interesting, one of Kontaveit’s tennis idol is another Belarusian, Victoria Azarenka; thus, this may be interesting. Both players bring an aggressive style of play to the table and both are feeling very confident. Yet, as confident as they both are, expect there to be nerves on display tomorrow. As usual, the winner will be the player that controls their nerves best.
En route to this final, Sabalenka was challenged; she had to get by two seeded players. Yet, Kontaveit did not have an easy draw either; she had to defeat the ninth seed in the first round. She may be the fresher of the two finalists, since her semifinal match was terminated prematurely due to an injury retirement by her opponent.
If Sabalenka can control her nerves, I give her a slight edge in the power department; however, Kontaveit may have more weapons in her arsenal to disrupt the game of her opponent. Nevertheless, I expect they will both give a solid effort and I expect to see some brilliant shot making. It would be very fitting indeed if the match went to three sets; yet, I almost feel that the player that wins the first set will run away with the match. However, one thing I have come to realize about Sabalenka, she will not go down without a fight; thus, if she loses the first set, I don’t expect she will give up that easily.
SOURCE OF IMAGES: Zimbio.com (Julian Finney/Getty Images North America: Aryna Sabalenka (in pink) and Anett Kontaveit).
