A blockbuster championship match is set for Wednesday evening at the WTA Finals in Guadalajara as Garbine Muguruza faces Anett Kontaveit. Both players know how to win big matches–Muguruza is a two-time Major champion and has nine overall singles titles to her name. Kontaveit has already won four titles in 2021 and will aim to cap off a sensational run of form with the biggest title of her career. Muguruza defeated Kontaveit during the round robin stage. Can she do it again, or will Kontaveit be too strong?
WTA Finals Final Prediction
Garbine Muguruza vs Anett Kontaveit
H2H: Muguruza 3-2
Garbine Muguruza became the first Spaniard to reach the championship match of the WTA Finals since 1973 with a commanding 6-3 6-3 victory over Paula Badosa. Muguruza’s performances have been getting better and better in Guadalajara, producing some vintage performances to reach the championship match of the WTA Finals for the first time in her career. The 28-year-old succumbed to Karolina Pliskova in her opening round robin match before beating Barbora Krejcikova in three sets and Anett Kontaveit in straight sets.
Anett Kontaveit has won 29 of her last 32 matches, a run that includes four titles. Kontaveit arrived in Guadalajara fresh from back-to-back title runs in Moscow and Cluj-Napoca. The 25-year-old made it 12 wins in a row when she won her first few matches in her WTA Finals debut, beating Barbora Krejcikova and Karolina Pliskova in straight sets. The Estonian’s winning run was snapped by Garbine Muguruza, but she responded well by defeating Maria Sakkari 6-1 3-6 6-3 to secure her spot in the final.
Muguruza has a slight 3-2 head-to-head advantage over Kontaveit. Muguruza won 6-4 6-4 a few days ago during the round robin stage. it should be noted that Kontaveit didn’t need to win that match as her progression to the semifinals was already confirmed, whilst Muguruza needed to win to advance. Kontaveit defeated Muguruza 6-1 6-1 in Moscow a few weeks ago. That match meant more to Kontaveit with a spot in the WTA Finals on the line, while Muguruza had already secured her spot. This time both players will be equally motivated with a huge title up for grabs.
This promises to be a fantastic final between two players in great form at the moment. Kontaveit is undeniably the best player on tour over the last few months. However, I feel Muguruza’s best tennis is slightly better and that she is peaking at the right time. There’s a reason Muguruza is a two-time Major champion and former World #1; she knows how to raise her level when it counts most. Kontaveit does, too. The Estonian has a brilliant record in finals lately, having won her last four. However, this is the biggest match of Kontaveit’s life against an inspired opponent. We’ll have to see how she handles the occasion. The crowd will be on Muguruza’s side–another factor to consider, given the Spaniard seems to be thriving in Mexico. This could go either way, but I’ll go with the more proven champion.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
