Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WTA Finals match.
Coco Gauff and Iga Świątek both kicked off the Finals with victories; however, this match will be particularly challenging for the American, who has lost 11 out of 12 encounters with the Polish star, adding extra pressure. Given that every point counts in such tournaments, both athletes are highly motivated.
Iga Świątek
Świątek is the reigning WTA Finals champion, and while hard courts aren't her favourite, she has shown impressive form on this surface. This season, Iga has won 11 out of 12 matches against American opponents, highlighting her confidence and consistency. Świątek has the experience of playing in similar tournaments and knows how to adapt to different playing conditions. Despite early struggles against Barbora Krejcikova, the Pole demonstrated excellent play in the latter stages, finishing the match with 40 winners against 47 unforced errors, and she recorded 10 aces.
Coco Gauff
Gauff, currently at her peak form and possessing ample experience in the Finals, is showing progress in her game. This season, she has won 4 out of 10 matches against top-10 players, which isn't overly impressive. Nevertheless, the American convincingly won her opening match against Jessica Pegula (6:3, 6:3), which could boost her confidence. Coco has strengths, such as a powerful backhand and quick court coverage, but her indoor game still needs refinement. In her career, Gauff has managed just 11 indoor wins against 7 losses, with 6 of those defeats featuring no more than 22 games, which indicates her struggles on this surface.
Iga Świątek vs Coco Gauff Prediction
Head-to-head meetings between Świątek and Gauff reveal a clear advantage for Iga (11-1). She knows how to capitalise on her strengths to overwhelm Gauff, as shown in their recent matches. Świątek is expected to dominate the court, given her aggressive playing style and experience. Considering the statistics and current form of both players, the most likely outcome is a victory for Świątek.
