WTA 500: Adelaide Open: Finals: Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic: Preview and Prediction

Fifth seed Iga Swiatek locks horns against the second seed Belinda Bencic in the finals of the Adelaide Open. 

Swiatek thrashed Swiss player, Jil Teichmann 6-3 6-2 in the semifinals. It was a clinical performance by the Pole as she won 77% of her first-serve points, hit 17 winners, and clinched 67% of her second-serve points. 

On the other hand, Bencic battled through in a tough three-setter against American sensation Cori Gauff. She failed to convert a match point in the second set as Gauff who came through qualifying to enter the main draw of the tournament forced a decider. 

The Swiss won the third set 6-2 to book her spot in the finals after the two-hour 37-minute clash. Bencic claimed 73% of her first-serve points and got 62% of her second-serve points. It was a poor day with the serve as she committed 10 double faults.

Head to Head record

Swiatek and Bencic are meeting for the first time on the WTA Tour. 

“She is a young player that still has the careless swinging tennis, she has a different, little bit more unique game, it is working really well because it's always better to play a little bit different than play like everyone else, I practiced with her here a couple of times so I know what to expect,  hopefully, I can just apply it on her and have a good day," said Bencic praising Swiatek's game after observing it from close quarters. 

Key Insights

• Swiatek will be targetting her second career title after winning the French Open 2020.
• Swiatek is in fine form as she has not dropped a set yet in the tournament.
• Bencic will be aiming for a 5th career title.
• Swiatek will be playing her 3rd WTA final. 
• Bencic will be featuring in her 11th WTA final. 
• Bencic's last title was the Kremlin Cup 2019 held in Moscow.
• Bencic reached the quarterfinals of the Adelaide Open last year losing to American, Danielle Collins in straight sets.

Game Analysis of Swiatek and Bencic

Swiatek has used her powerful groundstrokes and topspin heavy forehand to control the rallies and keep her opponents at bay. She has done well both against counter-punchers and big-hitters. 

Bencic will rely on her strong first-serve and sweet timing to do the job. She can unsettle Swiatek with her flat groundstrokes and smart volleying skills. Since the Swiss takes the ball early, she can redirect the pace from line to line. 

Statistical Comparison of Swiatek and Bencic in the Adelaide Open

"The most important thing is to have the same attitude because I know I have been doing a great job, keeping that routine is going to ensure me that it is just another match, I am going to be like, more grown-up, I am going to be able to physically and mentally handle tournaments every week," said Swiatek pretty pleased with her fast growth on the WTA Tour. 

" I am very proud of myself that I handled this match after all the ups and downs when someone is on a roll, that is what you call confident, definitely I am really happy, I am doing that better in my game, that it's just really going natural by instincts again," opined Bencic completely satisfied with her performance in Adelaide so far.

Swiatek is the player to beat as she is in too good form at the moment. Bencic has more experience playing in finals before and that would keep her in good stead. The winner will go with full confidence ahead of an action-packed schedule in March with tournaments to be held in Doha, Dubai, St. Petersburg, and Miami. 

Prediction - Iga Swiatek to beat Belinda Bencic in three sets and win the tournament

Featured Image Credits - WTA Tour - Twitter