(Standings at the bottom of the post)
WTA Championships Final (Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova)
Amy’s Pick: I wish I could believe that this would be a tight match, but nothing I’ve seen in the recent past suggests that might happen. Their recent matches have been brutal. I’m going with Williams in straight sets, one or more of which might be in the form of baked goods.
Lindsay’s Pick: Sharapova in three sets. I know it sounds ridiculous…and maybe it is, but I think that Sharapova’s victory over Azarenka is going to give her the confidence she needs to finally take out Serena. Eight years ago she and Serena faced off in the WTA Championships Final and Maria won 4–6, 6–2, 6–4. I’ve spent the past week re-living Sharapova’s performance in the 2007 Final. Though she ended up losing that match, if she comes out with that determination, she’s going to surprise a lot of people.
Juan José’s Pick: There’s a reason Serena Williams hasn’t lost to Sharapova in eight years. (EIGHT YEARS!). However, this will be closer than people think. Serena in two tight sets.
(Serena won, 6-4, 6-3 – How The Match Was Won)
Basel Final (Juan Martín Del Potro vs. Roger Federer)
Amy’s Pick: Though del Potro is best known for beating Federer in the 2009 US Open final, playing against the World No. 1 has been hard for del Potro since his return from wrist surgery. This year they met a whopping six times, with Federer coming out on top in every match. Even though del Potro has pushed him further in their recent encounters, I can’t justify picking against the King of Indoor Hard Courts at his hometown tournament. Federer in straights.
Lindsay’s Pick: Federer in three sets. Fed lost a set to Bellucci, so I expect Delpo can get a set, but I’ve learned the hard way to never pick against Fed. It’s really, really, really annoying.
Juan José’s Pick: This is a huge opportunity for DelPo to finally beat Federer in 2012. The crowd is mild, and the court suits him. Also, got a little bit of extra rest, since he dusted Gasquet 2 and 2. DelPo in three sets, going away in the third.
(Del Potro won, 6-4, 6-7, 7-6 – As Told In .Gifs)
Valencia Final (Alexandr Dolgopolov vs. David Ferrer):
Amy’s Pick: Dolgopolov has made things hard for Ferrer in some of their previous encounters. Still, I expect Ferrer to win his hometown title for the third time in three sets.
Lindsay’s Pick: I’m going to be honest here and admit that I have not watched a second of Valencia this week. I’m sorry, but the girls have kept me busy. But, I mean, it’s in Spain. It’s his BFFs swan song tournament. Ferrer’s going to win, JCF’s going to present him with the trophy, and there are going to be buckets of tears. Still great to see Dolgo getting to a final.
Juan José’s Pick: I’m actually going to go with the upset here. Dolgopolov has been breezing through the draw this week. Hasn’t even lost a set. Maybe he figured it all out and the Dolgopolov experience is happening! Dolgopolov in two straightforward sets.
(Ferrer won, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 – How Dolgopolov Lost that Match)
Standings:
Amy: 2-1
Juan José: 2-1
Lindsay: 1-2
