Halep vs Wozniacki

This is an unlikely final, not for the fact that we have the number 1 and 2 seed up against each other but that in the second round Wozniacki was down 5-1, 40-15 in the 3^rd to Croation Jana Fett and escaped, Halep also saved match points in a 9-7 third set nailbiter over Angelique Kerber in the semi finals. This is the luck you need to win Grand Slams; points are won in inches, sometimes the biggest points.

Here we have two players who have survived 2 weeks of grinding never say die tennis, tonight one player will be left with holding their first Grand Slam Singles Trophy.

Why Halep will win

The Romanian for three years has been the player touted to break through and win a Slam, the truth is its been a series of near misses, two French Open final losses and semi final and Quarter final disappointments has left her with a number one ranking but no Slam titles. Tonight could change all that. I predicted her to win the tournament, the time is now, otherwise 0-2 in Slam finals could in a few seasons end up 0-5. This match will be a battle of attrition, nobody does it better than the plucky Halep, mix that with aggression and she’ll win.

Why the Woz will win

The Danish 27 year old has her own Grand Slam Final losses with defeats in the US Open finals of 2009 (Clijsiters) and 2014 (Serena), but last seasons WTA Finals brought the confidence back when she won the title. With a 4-2 head to head advantage over Halep that confidence should harden, especially with winning the last 3 matches over the Romanian. Halep may be the better roadrunner but Woz has an extra advantage over the Romanian, a better demeanor. If she keeps her cool when the pressure is on she’ll win.

Prediction

I get the feeling Woz is playing with an extra card in the pack. When you’ve come back from a third set deficit of 5-1 40-15 mentally it does something to you, it frees you up, you know there’s really no way you should be in the event but somehow you are. I’m going to change my pre tournament pick, I’m going with Woz to win her first Grand Slam tournament in straight sets.

Federer vs Cilic

This will be the second Grand Slam final between these two. Federer crushed the Croatian in last year’s Wimbledon final after Cilic struggled with blisters and was visibly shaken. Federer will be vying for his 20^th Grand Slam whilst Cilic will be looking for his 2^nd. Federer leads the head to head 8-1.

Why Cilic will win

There’s a chance Cilic could win, its remote but not out the question. The court is playing quick, it helps both players but most likely on the serve it helps Cilic, if he serves well and keeps holding, get the sets to a tiebreak or 5-5 then anything could happen, he has the firepower to cause an upset, this match isn’t a foregone conclusion.

Why Federer will win

He expended virtually no energy in the semi win over Chung, after the Korean retired 2 sets in and hasn’t lost a set all tournament. You could say it’s the perfect preparation for a 36-year-old going into a best of 5 set final.

Cilic is dangerous but Federer has that ability to play the right shot at the right time, the 8-1 head to head is there for a reason, Federer is better, its that simple.

 Prediction

The Cilic win over Rafa would give him huge confidence but mentally its hard coming up against a player who has given you so many losses, I think Cilic can snag a set but that is all, I’ll go with Federer in 4 sets to win his mind bending 20^th Grand Slam.