How to watch: ESPN, 2:30 a.m. Eastern; streaming on ESPN+, 7:15 p.m. and ESPN3, 2:30 a.m.
Friday’s schedule: Men | Women
Sofia Kenin vs. Garbiñe Muguruza
Sofia Kenin, the 14th seed, reached her first Grand Slam final by beating Ashleigh Barty, the world No. 1 and homegrown favorite at the Australian Open. Kenin and Barty both looked tentative in opening exchanges, but it was Kenin, the young American, who late in the first set began to take more initiative on points.
Kenin’s serve, which has been exceptional throughout the tournament, was once again on display and will need to remain a steady factor in her game to help her settle the nerves that can afflict any Grand Slam finalist.
Garbiñe Muguruza, unseeded at this year’s Australian Open, has become the first Spanish woman to reach the Australian Open since 1998. Her victory over Simona Halep, the fourth seed, in the semifinal on Thursday was one of her most convincing performances in years.
Halep, whose defensive skills are among the best on tour, was overpowered by Muguruza’s flattened baseline shots. Muguruza has now beaten three top 10 seeds on her way to the final, and is in remarkable form. After a few years of disappointing results, Muguruza reunited with her old coach Conchita Martínez, and has reaped the benefits. She looks more confident as she strives to win her third Grand Slam title.
Muguruza may have more experience than Kenin in Grand Slam finals, but insisted that “at the end, the racket has to speak out there.”
“It doesn’t matter how many Grand Slams you have, because it’s a tennis match,” she said. “I’ll take into consideration my previous experiences, but it doesn’t guarantee anything.”
With the belief that Kenin showed in her victory over Barty, it’s clear that she feels similarly. Although Kenin has gone past the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time, she has shown almost no signs of being star-struck. Her intense belief that she belongs is valid. After this run to the final, she will break into the WTA top 10 for the first time in her career.
When the flat power game of Muguruza comes up against the counterpunching of Kenin, expect a passionate and exciting final: more than enough to keep viewers on the edge of their seats in the early hours of the morning.
