[Fighterpova]

Maria, I didn't expect such an amazing match So proud of this girl

So, final between the 2 best active players on tour and of course an inevitable outcome. I think I'd be more than happy if she wins like 6 games.

Don't be scared and try to enjoy tomorrow

[Chrissie-fan]

Originally Posted by Jechijo

Serena will play her best match of the tournament.. we know that, so I'm not betting on maria winning too many games! I'd be really happy with 4 games! Hopefully it'll happen!

6-0/6-0 or 6-2/6-2 doesn't make that much of a difference. Maria has to play to win and if that leads her to 2-6/2-6 defeat, so be-it. Obviously Serena is the overwhelming favorite, as she would be against anyone else these days, but Maria can't get into the match with a mindset of "I hope that I won't get humiliated today."

[JoPova]

Originally Posted by Chrissie-fan

6-0/6-0 or 6-2/6-2 doesn't make that much of a difference. Maria has to play to win and if that leads her to 2-6/2-6 defeat, so be-it. Obviously Serena is the overwhelming favorite, as she would be against anyone else these days, but Maria can't get into the match with a mindset of "I hope that I won't get humiliated today."

I know! A winning mentality is fundamental. I'm just saying this because I'll be disappointed tomorrow and I really don't like that. Maria has lost so many finals this year! It's unbelievable!

[doomsday]

A win over Vika on HC in straights sets as well, I still can't believe it.

[Angelpova]

Maria...

[Marga.]

Did you see Vika's tears fall down while she was slowly losing That moment was precious

[Serfpova]

To be honest I'm not so sure about the mental block here. I think Maria stubbornly sticks to her own notion that when she plays her best that she beats anyone. Even though we know that mightn't be the case, I think that's what she believes. So Serena's own great play frustrates Maria and causes her to force her game.

[JoPova]

Originally Posted by jameshazza

To be honest I'm not so sure about the mental block here. I think Maria stubbornly sticks to her own notion that when she plays her best that she beats anyone. Even though we know that mightn't be the case, I think that's what she believes. So Serena's own great play frustrates Maria and causes her to force her game.

Totally agree with you! That's when DFs start flowing and her FH becomes an UE-machine!

[Break My Rapture]

Maria has always done so well at the YEC, bar last year when she was injured. Please make it respectable tomorrow, this win should give her confidence. Hopefully she doesn't mentally check out of the match again right after Serena hits her first return winner.

[Mexicola]

Through all of the negativity, deep down, I still am praying and hoping for a miracle upset of Serena. You have no idea how many times over the years I've played out in my mind and envisioned Maria defeating Serena again in a tournament final. It would put Maria's career in a different light and beating Serena at a big tournament final is, I think, the only way to shut the haters up for good. Or at least for a few minutes.
Foolish daydreaming?

I don't know what I'd do with myself if Maria actually beat Serena again. I might think the world is coming to an end.

My one big stat prognostication is Maria's first 3 service games. I think she absolutely MUST hold serve her first 3 times. It would give her a little rhythm and maybe a little belief and confidence. If she gets broken early, I fear another quick lopsided match. She has to provide some resistance early on.

[Serfpova]

Originally Posted by Break My Rapture

Maria has always done so well at the YEC, bar last year when she was injured. Please make it respectable tomorrow, this win should give her confidence. Hopefully she doesn't mentally check out of the match again right after Serena hits her first return winner.

Congrats on Vika's season.

And yes to that last part of your post.

[JoPova]

Maria needs to be confident with her serve, find the rythm and the angles really well. She must use a lot of variety on serve and return Serena's second serve as well as she can! There's no time to hit second serves ROS long or wide, because if you miss one, the next point is likely going to be an ace! And I'd like to see her hit slower second serves to throw off Serena's timing.. Some ROS winners will come, but Serena can miss a couple as well..

[Serfpova]

I agree with Maria handily holding her first 3 service games, if that happens she might loosen up and force a tiebreak.

[Lachy]

I don't want this awesome season of hers to end. It's literally been amazing. Either way, tomorrow is her last tournament match of the season Do it Mash!

[Craig.]

Originally Posted by jameshazza

I agree with Maria handily holding her first 3 service games, if that happens she might loosen up and force a tiebreak.

Easier said than done of course.