WTA Finals - Ashleigh Barty vs Elina Svitolina: Final Preview and Prediction

After a week of thrilling matches, multiple pull-outs and on-court controversies, we are all set for the grand finale of the WTA Finals. The winner takes a record $4.7 million in prize money.

World number 1, Ashleigh Barty takes on number 8, Elina Svitolina in a mouth-watering clash.

Key Insights

• Svitolina will look to defend her title she won in 2018
• Barty will aim to win her first WTA Finals title
• Svitolina leads the head to head record 5-0 against Barty
• This is Barty's debut in the WTA finals
• Svitolina has lost a match yet in the tournament
• Barty will become the first Australian woman to finish off as the year-end number 1

Consistency has been the hallmark of both players. Barty has dug deep to win edge of the seat matches.

Despite starting slow, Barty has used brilliant tactics to win matches. After losing the first set 7-5 to Belinda Bencic in the group stage she came back strong winning the next two sets 6-1, 6-2. Two-time grand slam champion, Naomi Osaka gave a walkover to her in the next match. World ranked number 10, Kiki Bertens who came in as an alternate for Osaka defeated Barty in three sets.

The top seed did not let the temporary blip affect her as she thrashed the world number 6, Petra Kvitova 6-4 and 6-2 to enter the semifinals.

Barty once again rose like a "Phoenix from the ashes"  after losing the first set in the semifinals. Number 2, Karolina Pliskova who began well lost the plot. Barty slammed 11 aces as she won 4-6, 6-2 and 6-3.

On the other hand, Mrs Consistent, Svitolina has done right in this tournament. She registered a straight-sets victory against Pliskova, Simona Halep, and Sofia Kenin.

The Ukranian lost the first set, 7-5 to Belinda Bencic in the semifinals. She drew level winning the second set 6-3. Trailing 4-1 in the decider, Bencic pulled out with a right leg injury.

"It's been an incredible year for myself and my team, it's the perfect way to cap it off, knowing you have the best of the best during the week, now you have the opportunity to play for a title, it's really special," said Barty reflecting a magnificent season.

It will be a battle between Barty's versatility and Svitolina's counter-punching ability.

Prediction - Elina Svitolina to win in three sets

Cover Image Credits - Getty Images