French Open 2016: Women's Final Schedule, Prediction and Prize Money

The final of the 2016 French Open is poised to be a tremendous spectacle, as the multi-Grand Slam champion Serena Williams squares off against one of the game’s brightest prospects in Garbine Muguruza.

Williams booked her spot in Saturday’s showpiece with a battling win over Kiki Bertens in the semi-final, while Muguruza had things much easier, dropping just six games in a magnificent win over Samantha Stosur. After their meeting at the Wimbledon final last year, this will be the second time these two have gone toe-to-toe for one of the sport’s biggest prizes.

Here is a look at the key details for the day, the prize money up for grabs and a closer examination of which of these fine players will have their hands on the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen come Saturday evening.

Match	(1) Serena Williams vs. (4) Garbine Muguruza
Date	Saturday, June 4
Start Time	2 p.m. (BST), 9 a.m (ET)
Venue	Court Philippe Chatrier, Roland Garros
Prize Money (First, Second)	€2 million, €1 million

Full prize money lists are available on the tournament's official website.

Muguruza Chasing 1st Grand Slam

"If you continue playing like this, you can win the tournament," Williams told Muguruza after the Spaniard dished out a spectacular 6-2, 6-2 beating to the veteran in 2014 at this competition, per Kevin Mitchell of the Guardian. Now she’s the one standing in the way of that maiden Grand Slam triumph.

Muguruza should take a lot of heart from the way she played against Williams on that day two years ago. She was outstanding on the clay surface, showing greater energy, diversity and a burgeoning power that’s continued to grow since. All of a sudden, the 22-year-old is looking like a player ready to make that final step.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Since a testing first match against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, Muguruza has moved through the gears. As Live Tennis noted during her match with Stosur, she’s playing with a controlled aggression:

"

There's something Sharapova-esque about #Muguruza today. The winners. The relentlessness. The intensity. 6-2, 2-0. pic.twitter.com/s22aEpFwmD

— Live Tennis (@livetennis) June 3, 2016"

Williams does lead the head-to-head between these two players 3-1, though, and will undoubtedly be the big favourite coming into the final.

Bertens put up a brave effort in the semi, showing there were vulnerabilities in the champion's game. But the 21-time Grand Slam winner is so experienced and, when it comes to the critical moments in matches, has showcased a remarkable penchant for somehow finding an edge.

As we can see here, when Williams did manage to make it through to the final, she seemed relieved rather than delighted:

Perhaps that’s because she’s been in a few punishing matches, or maybe she’s feeling the effects of an injury problem, as noted by Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times; per ESPN, Williams made 22 unforced errors in the first set against Bertens. But from Muguruza’s point of view, there are areas in which she’ll feel she can manufacture an advantage over Williams.

At the net, the reigning champion has been very sloppy in this tournament, and some well-timed drop shots from the Spaniard could pull Williams in. Her serve was far from imperious in the semi-final, too, and Muguruza will need to be alert to pounce on any slow or short balls that come her way.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Even so, there has long been an aura about the 34-year-old when it comes to these kinds of matches. A win here would pull Williams level on 22 singles Grand Slams with Steffi Graf after all and just two short of Margaret Court. 

As these numbers show from sports statistician Mohandas Menon, few players have been in this position as many times as Williams:

There are signs that this might be a step too far for the veteran, though. Of course, she’s an incredible fighter, a stunning champion and arguably the best player of clutch points tennis has ever seen. But she looked a little weary at times during the semi-final, while youthful exuberance and swagger seemed to course through Muguruza.

The fourth seed shouldn’t be daunted either. She’s playing superb tennis, has already faced Williams in a Grand Slam final and delivered a masterclass against the American on the Roland Garros clay two years ago.

Expect the Spaniard to excel as the underdog and grasp major glory for the first time in her career.

Prediction: Muguruza to win in three sets