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| Victoria Azarenka |
The Rome semi-finals were both uninspiring, but the final showcase should be an intriguing contest between Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. Serena has been in devastating form this week as she lost just three games to Simona Halep today in a 6-3 6-0 victory. The American number one has lost just 10 games all week and is now on a 23-match winning streak, which has included titles in Miami, Charleston and Madrid. Her last defeat was to Azarenka in Doha, who progressed through to the final with a first set stroll and second set fight against Sara Errani, 6-0 7-5. The Italian served for the second set at 5-4, but was unable to convert her opportunity. The Belarusian has played well this week and it is good to see her back in form ahead of the second Grand Slam.
I am much more enthusiastic about a Serena-Vika final compared to a Serena-Maria final. Azarenka has at least proved that mentally, she can stick with Serena and their last two matches have gone three sets with Azarenka prevailing in the final of Doha, which remains my favourite WTA match of 2013. On clay, the advantage passes back to Serena though as Azarenka just does not look comfortable on this surface. In addition, Azarenka is still finding her feet following a lengthy spell on the sidelines and Serena has been playing some lights out tennis. I pondered with going for a three-setter, but on this occasion I say Serena takes the Rome title in straight sets...
Prediction - Serena to beat Azarenka in 2 sets (1 easy, 1 tight)
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