US Open Women's Final Picks: Quick First Set
So here we are. History awaits one of these two players, but for very different reasons. Bianca Andreescu is in her first ever Grand Slam final while Serena Williams is looking to claim her 34th Grand Slam title. This US Open final promises to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. Here is a preview and three picks ahead of the match at Flushing Meadows.
Bianca Andreescu v Serena Williams
US Open women’s singles final, Saturday September 7
This is the US Open women’s singles final many wanted, with the Queen of Flushing Meadows taking on the young challenger. Andreescu has been so impressive over the past two weeks it’s easy to forget that this is the first time that the teenager has participated in the main draw of the US Open. Now she is just one win away from going all the way.
However, the pre-match build up will focus on Williams, who is just one victory away from equalling Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. Many already believe that the 37-year-old is the greatest female player of all time, but this record would make it indisputable. History is on the line for Williams here.
The home favourite can’t afford to take Andreescu lightly, though. Williams was in a similar position this time last year, taking on a teenager in her first Grand Slam final. Of course, she lost, with Naomi Osaka getting her hands on the trophy. Andreescu will be looking to emulate her Japanese counterpart.
Keys to the match:
Elina Svitolina tried to hit through Williams in the semi final when she should have tried to throw in more spin to disrupt the rhythm of the American. This is where Andreescu might have an advantage. The Canadian has every shot in her arsenal and stands a good chance of getting Williams moving off the baseline, where she can be exposed.
Getting Williams off the baseline will be tough, though. She won 86% of the points in which she got her first serve in, also winning 63% of her second serve points. Williams served just one double fault and hit 33 winners compared to just 20 unforced errors. In all, she dropped just four points behind her first serve. If Williams can find that sort of form again it will be tough for anyone to trouble her.
How did they get here?:
Williams put down an early marker with her 6-1, 6-1 demolition of Maria Sharapova in the first round and the 37-year-old has never really looked back since then. Caty McNally is the only opponent to have given Williams something to think about at Flushing Meadows this year, taking a set off the great champion, but it has otherwise been plain sailing through to the final.
Andreescu has faced more of a fight to get to this stage having been taken the distance by both Taylor Townsend and Elise Mertens. The Canadian has also seen off Caroline Wozniacki, Kirsten Flipkens and Belinda Bencic, more than earning her place in the final of the last Grand Slam of the season.
Picks:
1u - Back Serena Williams 2-0 @ +100
1u - Back Serena Williams To Win First Set And Win @ -163
0.75u - Back Under 8.5 First Set Games @ +194