US Open women's final preview
The 2014 US Open women’s singles title is just hours away. After all the hard-work, running around the court in the heat and late-night matches, two best friends will contest the final. On one hand there is Serena Williams, who has had a dismal 2014 so far but has a solid record at the US Open. Williams has won the US Open for last two consecutive years and is favourite to make it three. She is also looking to win her 18th Grand Slam title. But so far in 2014, she hasn’t won a single Slam, and only reached the quarter-finals for the first time at the Flushing Meadows.
On the other hand, Caroline Wozniacki, has excelled in the recent stages of the Tour. No one had predicted Wozniacki to reach the final, but she managed to pick her game at the right time of the week. She might have caught a lucky break with Peng Shuai retiring in the semi-final, but Wozniacki equally deserves to be there as Williams. She will be looking to win her maiden Grand Slam, but she is up against an American favourite.
Road to the US Open Final
Williams is yet to drop a set in the tournament so far. In fact, none of her opponents have won more than three games in a set! Records such as this, will give the world number one immense confidence ahead of the final. However, she hasn’t faced a top-10 ranked player so far in the competition and will face a stern test against her friend from Denmark.
Tenth-seed Wozniacki upset fifth seed Maria Sharapova en route to the final. She was also fortunate to win two matches with her opponents retiring due to injuries. The 24-year-old will get several chances in the future to grab a Slam but the former world number one will feel that this is her moment to finally hold the coveted trophy.
Head-to-head
Williams boasts a strong record against Wozniacki. She has won eight times out of nine meetings between the two. They last played in August at the Western and Southern Open. Williams won the tie in three sets in an evenly contested match. The two met at the US Open semi-finals in 2011 with Williams winning in straight sets. Williams clealy has the mental edge over Wozniacki but the Dane will be looking to get her second win.
Prediction: Williams in three sets.