Sofia Kenin will take on Barbora Krejcikova in the Final of San Diego tomorrow. It's Sofia's first Final since 2020, and Barbora has returned to form this week after struggling since Dubai
PREVIEW | 2023 San Diego Open Final: Sofia Kenin v Barbora Krejcikova - can the home player beat the World No. 13?
WTASaturday, 16 September 2023 at 13:31
In our Preview of the Cymbiotika San Diego Open final, Sofia Kenin and Barbora Krejcikova are set to face off against each other in the final of the WTA 500 event.
Both players have been on a redemption journey after suffering early exits at the recent US Open. Krejcikova entered the last Grand Slam of the year in New York as the twelfth seed but crashed out in the first round against Lucia Bronzetti. Meanwhile, Kenin was defeated by thirteenth seed Daria Kasatkina in the second round.
The American started out her run in San Diego against sixth seed Veronika Kudermetova, whom she ousted in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, before fighting back from a set down to win against compatriot Katie Volynets in the second round 1-6, 6-4, 6-2. After moving past Anastasia Potapova in the next round, the 2020 Australian Open champion put on a determined display against Emma Navarro in the semi-finals to reach her first final since the 2020 French Open.
Meanwhile, Krejcikova was seeded fourth at the WTA event, meaning she received a bye through to the second round where she ousted Anhelina Kalinina in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. She then went on to face seventh seed Beatriz Haddad Maia, whom she also defeated in straight sets to set up a semi-final clash with home player Danielle Collins. The 27-year-old fought back from a set down to win the match and reach the final.
Krejcikova leads head-to-head
The two players have faced each other once before, in the second round of the 2021 Rome Open. Krejcikova took the victory there in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4. This will be their first meeting on hard courts.
It is likely that Kenin will have a lot of confidence coming into the match after having reached her first final in three years, but her opponent - who is the 2021 Roland Garros champion - has more recent experience at this level. On the other hand, Kenin could gain extra energy from having the home crowd firmly behind her. However, this didn't seem to deter Krejcikova in her previous round encounter with Collins.
Both players have an efficient first serve to rely upon, with Kenin winning 62.5% of points while Krejcikova has won 70.8%. However, both will need to try and clean up their second serve, which has been troubling them a bit throughout the tournament.
Overall, Krejcikova's more recent experience of deep runs at tournaments, as well as her aggressive game and strong net play should give her the edge over Kenin.
Prediction: Barbora Krejcikova to win in three sets.
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