2017 Australian Open: Women's Final Preview & Betting Tips

In 1998, Australian tennis fans had a first glimpse at what would become one of the greatest rivalries in tennis - the two players just happened to be sisters. Cut to 19 years later and the 2017 Australian Open Women's Final sees us treated to an unexpected clash between Venus Williams and Serena Williams. We preview the match and try to make a prediction.

2017 Australian Open - Women's Final Preview

Serena Williams vs Venus Williams

It was Round 2 of the 1998 Australian Open when Venus and Serena met in their first professional match. This was back when the court was green, centre court wasn't called Rod Laver yet and women's tennis perhaps wasn't as respected as men's (the prize money wasn't equal for instance). Venus was regarded as one of the best up and coming players in the world, but we hadn't seen much of Serena yet. The previous year saw Venus become the first unseeded player to make the US Open final in 40 years. Venus ultimately won 7-6, 6-1 in a relatively convincing effort against her sister. At the time, most tennis fans would have been forgiven for just assuming Venus was simply a better player than her sister. How wrong that ended up being.

There were certainly times during Venus's career that she had the edge over Serena, but the stats speak for themselves. Venus has won 7 Grand Slams compared to Serena's 22 with Venus never winning an Australian Open or at Roland Garos, while Serena has won all four Grand Slams at least three times each.

Both players will forever be considered as the greatest tennis players in history, but only Serena is in the conversation as the best player of all time. She is locked on an equal 22 Grand Slam titles with Steffi Graff. She will be desperate to make it a 23rd. 

Overall the sisters have met 27 times in professional tournaments with Serena having the edge 16-11. We also have to remember many of the 11 wins for Venus came at a time when Serena wasn't at her peak. Over the last 10 years, Serena has been on another level above Venus, winning four of their last five meetings. In saying that, however, Venus has never made it easy for Serena, taking it to three seats on three of those occasions, including her one victory.

Last 5 Head-to-Head Matches
2015: US Open QF – Serena 6-2 1-6 6-3
2015: Wimbledon R16 – Serena 6-4 6-3
2014: Montreal SF – Venus 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 6-3
2013: Charleston SF – Serena 6-1 6-2
2009: Tour Championships R1 – Serena 5-7 6-4 7-6 (7-4)

When considering current form at the 2017 Australian Open you have to give the edge once more to Serena. She hasn't dropped a set, hasn't had to play in any tie-breakers and has simply been dominant. There has been a lot of talk about Serena having faced tough opponents, but ultimately it has been a relatively easy run for her. In her most recent match, Serena defeated Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in straight sets and won an astonishing 92% of her first-serve points. If she continues her current form, the only thing that can defeat Serena is if she lets the emotion of playing her sister and the pressure of history get the better of her. If she stays focused, she will win her 23rd Grand Slam and reclaim the number 1 ranking from Angelique Kerber.

Serena's Road to the Aus Open Final
R1: Bencic 6-4 6-3
R2: Safarova 6-3 6-4
R3: Gibbs 6-1 6-3
R4: Strycova 7-5 6-4
QF: Konta 6-2 6-3
SF: Lucic-Baroni 6-2 6-1

The 2017 Australian Open has seen Venus playing the best she has in a very long time. However, it hasn't been as easy for her as Serena. Venus has played one 3-set match - in her semi-final match against Coco Vandeweghe - but has had to play three tie-breakers and a total of 129 games compared to Serena's 108. That's quite a lot more game time on the court and it's hard to say what affect that will have on the final. Regardless, when she is at her best, Venus can beat anyone and she certainly seems focused.

Venus's Road to the Aus Open Final
R1: Kozlova 7-6 (7-5) 7-5
R2: Voegele 6-3 6-2
R3: Duan 6-1 6-0
R4: Barthel 6-3 7-5
QF: Pavlyuchenkova 6-4 7-6 (7-3)
SF: Vandeweghe 6-7 (3-7) 6-2 6-3

2017 Women's Final - Prediction

Serena Williams should win her 23rd Grand Slam title this weekend, but there are plenty of reasons to expect a competitive game. It wouldn't be surprising to see this go to three sets, while even if Serena keeps it to two sets I can't see Venus rolling over. This could be the last time the two sisters will meet in a Grand Slam and arguably the last time Venus will compete for a major title. I really hope it ends up being one of the all-time great matches.

Tip: Total Games Over 20.0 - $1.80 at CrownBet

Consider:
- Venus Williams +5 Games Handicap - $1.90 at CrownBet  
- Serena Williams to win 2-1 Sets - $4.33 at Sportsbet

Stay tuned for our Australian Open Men's Final preview soon!