Auckland Open Final Odds & Pick: Williams vs Pegula

Serena Williams’ Road to the Finals

Serena Williams showed the world yesterday that she is not ready to slow down or leave the tour in her semi final match against young American Amanda Anisimova. The 38-year-old defeated the 18-year-old in just 45 minutes to win 6-1, 6-1.

So it's Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula between Serena Williams and her first WTA title in three years. A first as a mom.

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 11, 2020

Anisimova was not a match for Williams’ power, being broken in her opening service game, and again in the third and seventh game of the first set. Williams broke her in the second and fourth games of the second set. This semi-final was very different than the other semi-final that had happened earlier in the night, which lasted almost last two hours.

🇺🇸 All-American Final set in Auckland. 🇺🇸

No.10 Serena Williams vs. No.82 Jessica Pegula.

Serena bidding to win her 1st title since becoming a mom, and complete her 1st singles/doubles title sweep since 2016 Wimbledon. #ASBClassic

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) January 11, 2020

Jessica Pegula’s Road to the Finals

Pegula shocked the world when she upset former number one Caroline Wozniacki in the semi-final of the Auckland Open. Pegula was able to break Wozniacki’s serve in the first game of the match. Wozniacki was able to fight back, breaking Pegula herself and going up a set around the 45-minute mark.

Sealed with the forehand winner 💥

Jessica Pegula defeats Caroline Wozniacki 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 to reach the singles final in Auckland! #TeamUSATennis | @JLPegula pic.twitter.com/9h4kC63GAm

— USTA (@usta) January 11, 2020

Pegula knew she had to step it up if she wanted to move on. In the second set she was able to completely control everything. She became move aggressive, moving Wozniacki all around the court and base line. She continued to change the pace of the game with her shots and stroke, completely putting Wozniacki in defensive mode.

Jessica Pegula is into the Auckland final with a big comeback over Caroline Wozniacki, winning 36 64 60.

Huge week for the young American and it guarantees an All-American final.

Faces either Serena or Anisimova. #ASBClassic

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) January 11, 2020

Pegula continued to be dominant in the third set, winning 6-0. She went on to comeback and win the match 6-3, 4-6, 0-6.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first time the two Americans have faced each other. Serena is the heavy favorite going into tonights match, but Pegula could make it very interesting seeing how she played against Wozniacki.

AUCKLAND FINAL | Serena Williams is through to the ASB Classic final after a flawless 6-1, 6-1 win over talented teenager Amanda Anisimova.

The top-seeded American, who was on court for just 43 minutes, plays compatriot Jessica Pegula in Sunday’s final. 👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/3wXj4xYnps

— Black Spin Global (@BlackSpinGlobal) January 11, 2020

If Pegula is able to win her service point, convert her break points, and have a high first serve percentage, it’s possible she could perform another huge upset. But right now, it looks like Serena Williams is playing the kind of tennis we all know her to play. She been dominant and powerful on the court, playing in the zone with no distractions.

The easy bet here is Serena. If Pegula’s odds were a bit better, there could have been the possibility of her taking this one, but it’s the finals, and Williams has had a tremendous start to the season.

Best Bet: Serena Williams (-600)