For the second time in 13 year’s the women’s Australian Open final will be decided between the top two ranked female players in the world. After two gruelling weeks in which both players have faced match points against, we are finally ready to decide who will take home the silverware in this highly anticipated showdown. We’re here to preview the match for the top players in women’s tennis and give our tips on the outcome for the Women’s 2018 Australian Open Final.
The current world number 1, Simona Halep, had to overcome the prowess of the 2016 Australian Open champion in the Semi Finals en route to play in one of tennis’ biggest stages. Halep became victorious in the 16th game of the third set in her matchup with Angelique Kerber, prevailing 9-7 in the decider of an epic duel.
Traditionally, Halep has fared a lot better on the clay court surface that is used at the French Open, having reached the final twice there (2014, 2017), both times being unsuccessful. This is the Romanian’s 3rd Grand Slam final in her illustrious career that has tallied her $20,912,291 in earnings thus far.
Caroline Wozniacki has finally delivered in the Australian Open and lived up to expectations as a powerhouse in women’s tennis. She has been absolutely sublime at this year’s AO, dropping just 2 sets on her way to the final. The real sign of her maturity came in her victory over Elise Mertens in the Semi Final. Although the 6-3, 7-6 score-line looks reasonably confortable, it was the way she played out the tie-breaker after getting broken on serve that was ultra-impressive. It was a coming of age for Woznicaki, who has struggled in the big moments of Grand Slam’s in the past.
Although she’s without a Grand Slam title to her name, the 27-year-old has always preferred the hard-court surface. Prior to this year’s AO, her best performances at the Grand Slam have come at the US Open, where she has made the final twice (2009, 2014). There’s no doubt that she will be full of confidence after her Semi Final win and will possibly have the conditioning advantage over Halep after having the extra day’s break during the tournament by being drawn to play in the first day of action.
Simona Halep’s Road to the Final
D. Aiava 7-6, 6-1
E. Bouchard 6-2, 6-2
L. Davis 4-6, 6-4, 15-13
N. Osaka 6-3, 6-2
K. Pliskova 6-3, 6-2
A. Kerber 6-3, 4-6, 9-7
C. Wozniacki’s Road to the Final
M. Buzarnescu 6-2, 6-3
J. Fett 3-6, 6-2, 7-5
K. Bertens 6-4, 6-3
M. Rybarikova 6-3, 6-0
C. Suarez Navarro 6-0, 6-7, 6-2
E. Mertens 6-3, 7-6
S. Halep Vs C. Wozniacki Head to Head
C. Wozniacki 6-0, 6-2 (2017)
C. Wozniacki 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 (2017)
C. Wozniacki 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 (2015)
S. Halep 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 (2015)
S. Halep 6-2, 7-5 (2013)
C. Wozniacki 6-2, 6-3 (2012)
Prediction
It’s a strange and unique position with both the world number 1 and 2 playing off for their first ever Grand Slam title. Wozniacki had a terrific 2017, winning the most matches of any woman in the WTA. She has also proven to be a better hardcourt player than Halep and has the edge in their Head-to-Head. We believe that Wozniacki will win her maiden Grand Slam title at this year’s Australian Open in an intriguing battle.
TIP: Caroline Wozniacki to win - $2.20 at Ladbrokes
