Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WTA Finals match.
Jessica Pegula and Jasmine Paolini were not impressive at the WTA Finals, but while Jessica Pegula has a win at this tournament, the Italian has two defeats without taking a set.
Jessica Pegula
Jessica Pegula (No. 5 WTA) won one title each on hard, clay, and grass this season. Since late September, she has taken 9 of 12 matches, losing to Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, and to Linda Noskova (No. 13). At the WTA Finals she took revenge on Coco Gauff, but fell to Aryna Sabalenka, albeit in three sets. Across the two matches she committed only two double faults and won on average 68% of points behind the first serve — a solid figure.
Jasmine Paolini
Jasmine Paolini (No. 8 WTA) started the year poorly, dropping out of the top four, but improved in the autumn: two semi-finals at the Wuhan Open and the China Open, plus a final at the Cincinnati Open. The Italian works tirelessly, defends diligently, and attacks aggressively, which is uncommon for her height. However, she lost four of her last five matches against top-10 opponents. Against Jessica Pegula she also struggles — five defeats and only one win.
Jessica Pegula vs Jasmine Paolini Prediction
Indoors, Jessica Pegula will use tempo and flat strokes to outplay Jasmine Paolini, who, without sustained pressure, can take a set. The Italian is resilient, but Pegula should win with margin.
