The 2023
WTA Finals in Cancun will conclude today, Monday, November 6. Here is our
preview of the event, as
Iga Swiatek and
Jessica Pegula battle it out for the prestigious title.
World No. 2 Swiatek qualified for the 2023
WTA Finals after a successful season which saw her win the French Open and several WTA titles. This is the Polish player's third consecutive year at the season-ending championship and her first time in the final.
Throughout this year's run at the tournament, Swiatek won against all three of her group stage opponents - Marketa Vondrousova, Coco Gauff, and Ons Jabeur - in straight sets before emerging victorious from a clash with World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-2. Therefore, it is clear that Swiatek is very much on form in Cancun.
Pegula having dream end to season
Meanwhile, World No. 5 Pegula has been having a dream end to a season that saw her help Team USA to victory at the United Cup and saw her win the WTA 1000 Canadian Open. Throughout the tournament, the 29-year-old has repeatedly spoken of her increased confidence and how it has helped her to achieve a successful run in Cancun.
Like Swiatek, Pegula won all three of her group stage matches without dropping a set - defeating Elena Rybakina, Sabalenka, and Maria Sakkari. The American then faced her compatriot and doubles partner Gauff in the semi-final and dominated the match to win 6-2, 6-1.
Swiatek and Pegula have played against each other eight times before, with the 22-year-old leading their head-to-head 5-3. However, Pegula won their most recent clash at the Canadian Open in Montreal after a three-set battle. She also leads their head-to-head from this year 2-1, having also ousted Swiatek at the United Cup in January.
Swiatek is likely to be playing aggressively throughout the match, using her stamina and strong mentality to her advantage. Meanwhile, Pegula will be relying on her own aggression, as well as good movement to counter her opponent's powerful hitting.
Although the match will probably be tight, Pegula's confidence and record against Swiatek in 2023 suggest that she could be the one to clinch the title.
Prediction: Jessica Pegula to win in three sets.
