Muguruza favourite, but Venus to shine brightest in Wimbledon final
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Garbine Muguruza and Venus Williams will contest the 2017 Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles final, and there’s plenty at stake for both competitors.
For Muguruza, this is her second SW19 final, and she has the opportunity to avenge defeat to the other Williams, Serena, in 2015.
But a rejuvenated Venus is in her way this time, and the elder Williams’ is eyeing a sixth Wimbledon title.
A look at the duo’s results over the past fortnight suggests Muguruza has been the stronger contender, but equally it appears she’s had a far easier run.
The odds back the Spaniard up though, with Muguruza favourite to lift her second Slam trophy this Saturday, at 4/5.
Venus – now 37-years-old and on course to become the game’s oldest Wimbledon champion – is 11/10.
But don’t let the odds fool you. Those numbers are almost identical to those offered for Williams’ semi-final clash with Johanna Konta.
The Brit was 10/11 favourite, but was defeated in straight sets.
And in watching that semi-final contest, you got a clear picture of Venus’ strongest assets – experience and composure.
She’s been there and done it all, and has been doing so since making her Slam bow at the French Open in 1997. Her opponent this weekend was just three-years-old at the time.
And it’s Venus who leads the head-to-head record too, 3-1.
Admittedly Muguruza’s sole success came just a couple of months ago in Rome, but it was on clay, which is arguably the 23-year-old’s strongest surface while comfortably being Venus’ weakest.
While two of the duo’s three completed meetings have seen a third set, it’s rare these days that a Ladies’ Wimbledon final goes to a decider.
Nine of the last ten finals have been won in straight sets, and 8/13 says it happens again.
And as we’re leaning towards another Williams win, that takes us to the 9/4 on Venus to get the job done by a 2-0 scoreline.
There’s little doubt that Muguruza’s day in London will come. But she might just have to wait a while yet as Wimbledon prepares to crown another Williams winner.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
