2 weeks Ago By Jordan Reynolds, Last Word On Sports
A blockbuster WTA Charleston final awaits between world No. 4 Jessica Pegula and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. Pegula hopes to win her first career clay court title, while Kenin seeks her first title since March 2020.
We predict the outcome in this article, but which woman do you expect to lift the winner’s trophy? WTA Charleston Final Prediction Jessica Pegula vs Sofia Kenin Head-to-head: Pegula 3-2 Kenin Pegula won her opening two matches comfortably before needing three sets to defeat defending champion Danielle Collins and Ekaterina Alexandrova. The semifinal with Alexandrova was a high-quality battle that the 2024 US Open runner-up won 7-5 in the decider. Kenin did not drop a set in her outstanding run to the final.
She beat Bernarda Pera, Belinda Bencic, Daria Kasatkina, and Anna Kalinskaya. Amanda Anisimova retired from her semifinal with Kenin in the opening set due to an injury. There are many similarities between Pegula and Kenin.
They are both solid and strong baseliners with particularly good backhands. In this matchup, winning the battle of the backhands is particularly important for Kenin. Although all parts of the former Grand Slam champion’s game have fired so far in Charleston, her forehand is more prone to breaking down than Pegula’s.
It is challenging to see how Kenin wins this match without prevailing in most backhand-to-backhand rallies. When feeling confident, Kenin’s game is slightly more aggressive. She takes the ball even earlier than her compatriot and has also taken more risks on first serve at WTA Charleston, hitting more aces per match than Pegula.
Kenin’s mentality might also be crucial. Pegula usually does a good job of staying calm and level on the court, but the ex-Australian Open champion may be very nervous after more than five years without a title. This is one of the most challenging finals to predict this season.
Despite Kenin’s superb level throughout the tournament, Pegula is narrowly favored to prevail because of her steadiness and coolness under pressure. However, it is a toss-up, and a victory for Kenin would not be surprising. Prediction: Pegula in 3 This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.
.
