French Open 2015 Women's Final: Career Stats for Williams vs. Safarova

There’s an obvious contrast to draw between Serena Williams and Lucie Safarova ahead of their French Open final at Roland Garros.

Williams, the top seed and big favourite for glory, would lift a Slam title for the 20th time in her distinguished career should she triumph in the French capital. On the other side of the net, Safarova would be winning her first, finally delivering on the stellar potential she showcased as a youngster.

Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Either way, we’re set for a fascinating afternoon of action. Here’s all the details on how these two measure up coming into this one and a closer examination of how the final is likely to play out.

Williams	Statistics	Safarova
709	Wins	370
121	Losses	259
66	Singles Titles	6
19	Slam Titles	0
2 (2002, 2013)	French Open Titles	0

Stats via WTA website.

Williams to Secure Historic Win

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

If Serena does get over the line in this final, you suspect it’d be one of her most treasured wins in a major tournament to date.

Not only does the American have a poor record at Roland Garros by her own impeccable standards—she’s sampled victory on just two occasions in the French capital—but she’s really struggled for form and fitness in the matches in the buildup to this final, no more so than the semi-final against Timea Bacsinszky.

Dan Istitene/Getty Images

As noted by Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times, the American legend was in big trouble in this match:

But Serena did what multi-champions do. She dug deep after losing the opening set and clawed her way to a massive victory, losing just three games in the final two stanzas.

She admitted afterward that it’s probably the worst she has ever felt on a tennis court, per BBC Sport: “I don't think I've ever been this sick. I didn't expect to win that, I really didn’t. I got the flu after my third-round match and I've been really struggling ever since then. Hopefully this is the worst and I'll get better from here.”

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

While Bacsinszky did her best to capitalise on a below-par Williams, she didn’t quite possess the quality. Safarova is someone who definitely does, however.

The Czech was too good for former champion Ana Ivanovic in the semi-final, producing her best tennis at key moments to win 7-5, 7-5. Up to this point, she’s yet to lose a set in the entire competition and has had opponents floundering when looking to cope with her intricate, left-handed playing style.

Francois Mori/Associated Press

As noted by ESPN Tennis, Safarova has also been flourishing in the doubles competition:

"

Lucie Safarova's great @rolandgarros continues. Already into the singles final, she reaches the doubles final with Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) June 5, 2015"

Will the fatigue accrued by playing in two separate draws eventually conspire against Safarova when playing Williams in the final? If it’s going to, there were minimal signs against Ivanovic.

Granted, there was little between the two players, but the ability to up the ante at precarious points in the match reeked of a Grand Slam champion in waiting.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

She’ll go into this final as the big underdog too, and as such, she is likely to continue playing with the freedom that has propelled her to the most significant match of her career. As we can hear courtesy of Sky Sports Audio, Safarova is delighted to have made it this far:

The Czech has a brilliant chance of toppling the illustrious American too. It’s clear Williams has not been at her best, and while she’s always found a way to win, it’s tough to remember many runs to the final that will have been quite as physically draining as this one.

But there’s a reason why Williams is a 19-time Slam champion. In this tournament, there have been so many instances that have seen Serena on the brink of elimination, but despite the clear hindrances, she’s managed to recuperate and progress. Expect a similar pattern of play in the final, culminating in a thrilling climax and a historic 20th Slam title for the American.

Prediction: Williams to win in three sets