Sunday’s men’s and women’s singles championship matches feature a two-time champion and three first-time finalists at this level. Victoria Azarenka won this event in 2012 and 2016, two of 10 WTA 1000 titles to her credit. Paula Badosa, Cam Norrie, and Nikolaz Basilashvili are all vying for the biggest title of their careers, during what has become their best seasons to date.
Paula Badosa (21) vs. Victoria Azarenka (27) – 1:00pm on Stadium 1
For Azarenka, this result is a bit of a surprise, despite all she’s achieved in the sport. Her record of 28-8 is more than solid, but she’s dealt with multiple injuries throughout 2021, forcing her to withdraw during five different events. This is her first final since nearly a full year ago in Ostrava.
For Badosa, this result has been expected for some time. She’s been most impressive this season, accumulating 40 match wins, and a record of 10-3 against the top 20. Paula herself will debut inside the top 20 on Monday, and would be just a few points shy of the top 10 with a win on Sunday.
Azarenka will attempt to win her first final since April of 2016. While she was the champion of last year’s Western & Southern Open, she received a walkover in the championship match from Naomi Osaka. Vika is 0-3 in her last three finals, all on hard courts. This is only the second WTA final for Badosa, who claimed the title in Belgrade this past May on clay. Based on the way the Spaniard has been clubbing her groundstrokes, and her comfort level on these slow-playing courts, I’m going with Badosa to win the second title of her young career.
Cameron Norrie (21) vs. Nikoloz Basilashvili (29) – Not Before 4:00pm on Stadium 1
Norrie has been one of the most surprising and remarkable stories of 2021. Prior to this season, he had never been ranked inside the top 40. But like Badosa, he will debut in the top 20 on Monday, thanks to a record of 46-20 on the year.
Basilashvili has made news for other reasons, as he was arrested last year on domestic abuse allegations from his former wife. On the tennis court, he’s been quite streaky this season. Between January and March, he went on a five-match losing streak before winning the title in Doha, which includes victories over Roger Federer and Roberto Bautista Agut. He was also the champion in Munich, and came through qualifying to reach the semis in Halle.
Basilashvili’s last loss before his successful run in Doha was at the hands of Norrie, who prevailed 6-0, 6-3 in Rotterdam. Cam has dominated his last two matches this week in similar fashion, defeating Diego Schwartzman and Grigor Dimitrov while dropping only eight games across four sets. The Brit has now won his last six semifinals, but his record in finals in striking different. He’s only 1-4 this year in championship matches, and lost to Casper Ruud two weeks in San Diego 6-0, 6-2. Meanwhile, Nikoloz has taken his last five finals, dating back to July of 2018. With the biggest title of their careers on the line, Basilashvili is the favorite to utilize his powerful groundstrokes to secure victory.
Sunday’s full Order of Play is here.
