Venus vs Muguruza
Is this the final anybody guessed before the start of the tournament? Probably not but it’s a marquee final nonetheless. Venus at 37 years old, dealing with an autoimmune disorder and mired in a legal wasteland regarding her car accident last month has done incredibly well to compartmentalize all that and play excellent tennis these past 2 weeks.
Then we have Garbine Muguruza, winner of the French Open last year and runner up at Wimbledon the year before, but has been pedestrian this season with a 23-13 match record. The Spaniard has breathed fire back into her game these past 2 weeks to get the chance to add another Slam tonight.
These two haven’t played a lot, only 4 matches. Venus leads 3-1 but Garbine won the latest encounter a few weeks back in Rome.
Why Venus will win
In Grand Slam finals when Venus isn’t playing Serena she has a 5-1 record, that’s a good sign. This will be her second Slam final this year after losing the Australia Open to little sister. Experience counts in these moments. The serve will be a big factor as well, Venus has 28 aces coming into this match, Venus serves well she wins.
Why Muguruza will win
Intensity. After winning the French Muguruza went ‘walkabout’ a little. Understandable considering a lifelong dream was realized then having to deal with the ‘e’ word, expectation. The 4th round win over world number one Kerber 6-4 in the third has been a catapult; she hasn’t lost a set since. Muguruza keeps her intensity in the big moments she wins.
Prediction
This is a tough one to pick. At 37 years old Venus knows time is running out but destiny seems to be playing a part here. For Muguruza she wants to avenge the final she lost here to Serena two years ago. I can’t see a blowout, I think it will go 3 sets and Venus will win her 8th Grand Slam.
Federer vs Cilic
I don’t think many pundits were picking a Federer v Cilic final. Murray, Djokovic and Nadal have all fallen and Federer or Cilic will be crowned ‘king of the north’, well, king of Wimbledon. In the head to head Federer leads 6-1, that won’t mean much, what will is that last year they met in a Wimbledon Quarter Final where the Swiss had to save match points to win in 5 sets. That shows Cilic that he can beat Federer on grass.
Why Federer will win
Federer will be vying for his 8th Wimbledon and 19th Grand Slam title. They are Star Wars numbers. He has saved himself physically for this, by not playing any clay events these past months his legs are fresh, his mobility and hitting shots on the dead run have been magnificent these 2 weeks. Federer keeps his level up he wins.
Why Cilic will win
Power. Raw Power. The Croatians game is based on heat. Big Serve, big groundstrokes. He is a flat hitter and likes to drill it to the corners with a few sneaky net attacks, he will have to red line his game to have a chance, especially if Federer keeps his level high. He knows what it takes to win a Slam and has the belief. If Federer is a bit off Cilic wins.
Prediction
Federer is the better grass court player. Federer this Wimbledon compared to last year when they went those 5 sets is a different player, much better. Cilic has the game to cause problems but Federer has the variety, the slices, the angles, all married up with power. It will be close; Cilic is playing too well for it not to be, but Federer has Tyrion confidence right now and wins it in 4 tight sets. Enjoy the finals everyone.
Go Rafa ?