Kim Clijsters v Vera Zvonareva Women’s US Open Final preview

Kim Clijsters made it 20 straight victories at the US Open by coming from a set down against Venus Williams to give herself the chance to defend her US Open championship today. Vera Zvonareva will be making her second consecutive final after she upset Caroline Wozniacki in her semi final. Kim Clijsters comes into the final as favourite despite losing her two most recent meetings against the Russian.

Venus Williams gave Kim Clijsters a tough test of character in their semi final encounter after she took the opening set. A few double faults in the second set tie breaker proved costly for the American, as Clijsters took advantage before breaking at the business end of the set and serving out for victory. Kim Clijsters has been favourite throughout this tournament, and rightly so. Her experience and ability to hold nerve in these situations will be a key factor in Saturday’s match, but ultimately her skill and determination is what will see the Belgian prevail.

Route to final:
1 Greta Arn 6-0, 7-5
2 Sally Peers 6-2, 6-1
3 Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-0
4 Ana Ivanovic 6-2, 6-1
QF Samantha Stosur 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
SF Venus Williams 4-6, 7-6, 6-4

Vera Zvonareva produced a top performance in her semi final victory over Caroline Wozniacki. The Russian came in as the underdog and even I didn’t see her prevailing before the match. But she did not lose her cool or drop her concentration when she rallied her way to victory. The Dane had no response to her efforts as Zvonareva booked herself in only her second career Grand Slam final, having lost to Serena Williams at Wimbledon in July in her first. Although she’s beginning to write off her reputation has being a choker, I see that playing a part in this match.

Route to final:
1 Zuzana Kucova 6-2, 6-1
2 Sabine Lisicki 6-1, 7-6
3 Alexandra Dulgheru 6-2, 7-6
4 Andrea Petkovic 6-1, 6-2
QF Kaia Kanepi 6-3, 7-5
SF Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-3

Two highly competitve players and both on top of their game right now. Expect a gruelling battle between these two, but I also expect to see Kim Clijsters being the winner of the crunch points; the one’s that win you these types of matches.

Pick: Kim Clijsters