2013 Madrid Final: Serena vs. Masha

[kskate2]

Serena leads the H2H 12-2

http://www.wtatennis.com/head2head/player1/9499/player2/9044

Maria won her first set off Serena in 5 years at the Miami final this year. They've never met on red clay, but Serena won a QF on the blue clay last year and a QF on green clay at Charleston 2008.

Who ya got?

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

It is hard to say. I will go with Serena in 3. She likes to defend her titles. She will have to serve better than she has for most of the tournament though and dictate play more against Maria. However, Serena should be quite pleased and her confidence should be high that she made a red clay court final again 11 years later. That is crazy that it has been that long for a player of her caliber.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Can Maria get out her 10 year drought against Serena?

Can Serena keep dominating Maria?

I am still thinking...

 

[jhar26]

I'm gonna take a huge gamble and predict a Sharapova win this time. If she's ever going to beat Serena again it will be on red clay.

 

[Calvy]

Not being able to beat someone for 8 1/2 years is a huge a mental challenge, regardless of the surface. That being said, Serena really hasn't impressed this tourney, but, I think she's due that big match result. Many say Maria may feel most comfortable these days on clay, I question that logic, but she has been the best on the surface day in, day out. But, wonder if she will press more because of the opponent across.

Not giving a prediction, anything can happen. This match possibly set the tone for the French Open.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

This will be a pressure match! Serena to win her first red clay tourney in over a decade and retain number 1, and Maria to get the number 1 ranking again. Though Serena should take heart, she defended her clay court tournament earlier in Charleston this year her first time defending a clay title.

 

[tented]

Heart says Maria, head says Serena.

Serena in three.

 

[Front242]

Whether Serena plays below her best or not up to a final isn't really an issue when it's Maria at the other side of the net. She enjoys humiliating her and I doubt that's going to change. Gotta serve well though. They both do. The decibel levels are going to be high tomorrow. Sound well down methinks.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Masha has to win one of these matches so we would have a fresh rivalry on our hands.

This match also decides who will be #1

 

[Front242]

Masha has to win one of these matches so we would have a fresh rivalry on our hands.

This match also decides who will be #1

Exactly the reason I believe Serena will play much better than she has all tournament. Also she's played only clay court specialists all tournament up to now and will welcome the change. I know Sharapova is very good on clay but she's not so much a classic clay courter as the players Serena has faced up to now which means a more straightforward match for Serena.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Masha has to win one of these matches so we would have a fresh rivalry on our hands.

This match also decides who will be #1

Exactly the reason I believe Serena will play much better than she has all tournament. Also she's played only clay court specialists all tournament up to now and will welcome the change. I know Sharapova is very good on clay but she's not so much a classic clay courter as the players Serena has faced up to now which means a more straightforward match for Serena.

I like to see Masha's game NOT fall apart like it did in Miami.
That should do the trick.
But like tented said earlier...

Heart says Maria, head says Serena.

 

[tossip]

I will say Serena will win her 50th title...absolutely

 

[colleen66]

I just don't know...... On paper Serena should win because she has owned Maria for several years now. But, Maria is definitely gunning for her and badly wants the to stop the bleeding. Serena does everything Maria does, just a better. If Serena is on she will win.

---

Whether Serena plays below her best or not up to a final isn't really an issue when it's Maria at the other side of the net. She enjoys humiliating her and I doubt that's going to change. Gotta serve well though. They both do. The decibel levels are going to be high tomorrow. Sound well down methinks.

Serena has been quiet the last couple of years. Her grunting as noticeably decreased. Maria on the other hand has gotten even louder.

 

[tossip]

it wont matter how many grunts pova makes because the outcome is not in doubt...50th title yay

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

Serena's saving grace this tournament has been her return of serve and her willingness to come to net more. It might be a bit harder to do against Maria tomorrow to come into net, but I hope she continues moving forward.

 

[Front242]

I just don't know...... On paper Serena should win because she has owned Maria for several years now. But, Maria is definitely gunning for her and badly wants the to stop the bleeding. Serena does everything Maria does, just a better. If Serena is on she will win.

---

Whether Serena plays below her best or not up to a final isn't really an issue when it's Maria at the other side of the net. She enjoys humiliating her and I doubt that's going to change. Gotta serve well though. They both do. The decibel levels are going to be high tomorrow. Sound well down methinks.

Serena has been quiet the last couple of years. Her grunting as noticeably decreased. Maria on the other hand has gotten even louder.

---

That's true but when these 2 play each other she belts the ball quite a bit harder. I guarantee she'll scream more than usual on the harder hit points. She doesn't just like to routinely beat Sharapova, she goes out there to totally annihilate her like the Olympic match and putting more power behind her shots will make the decibels quite a bit louder than say playing Errani.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

This is the 3rd meeting between these two in 2013. 2nd one played in a final.

 

[tossip]

where is your prediction KUI....

 

[Front242]

I actually think Serena's going to really pick her level up and win in 2 sets. She hasn't been great lately but always brings her best against Sharapova. A point to prove in not only maintaining the world number 1 ranking but crushing any hope Sharapova may currently have this being clay.

 

[rugged]

I say Serena in 2. She turns it on when she sees Maria on the other side of the net. Serena wants to send a message on red clay and she wants to take Maria's FO title from her. As well, Serena doesn't want Maria to think that they are going to have three set matches like in Miami.

The H2H has Serena in Maria's head. Tough to overcome it.