Saturday, June 4, 2011

Previewing the Women's Final: Li Na vs. Francesca Schiavone

126 women have been eliminated, and only two remain. Li Na and Francesca Schiavone have each won six matches, but they both are looking to make that seven and claim the title. Schiavone has been here before, winning last year, while Li Na is playing in her second straight Major final, having lost to Kim Clijsters in the 2011 Australian Open Final. After the jump, we'll break down each aspect of each player's game.


Women's Final: Na Li vs. Francesca Schiavone
Forehand: Advantage Schiavone
Li's forehand is very solid, but Schiavone's forehand is perfect for the red clay in Paris. She has shown a tremendous ability to raise her game to unbelievable heights, and especially her forehand.

Backhand: Advantage Li
Schiavone's backhand is flashy, but nowhere near the dependabiliy of Li's. Li can hit it up the line and crosscourt, and she uses it to create angles very nicely for herself.

Serve: Advantage Schiavone
Schiavone's kick serve is a major weapon, and she uses it to open the court. Li's serve is much flatter and can cause many errors, but on clay it's less of a weapon.

Speed/Defense: Advantage Schiavone
This is a major advantage for Schiavone, as she moves on the clay very well.

Prediction: Schiavone in 3
If Nadal has been the king of clay, then Schiavone is the queen over the last two years. It will be dramatic, but  Schiavone should pull this one out.

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