Williams vs Li
Its the first time that two 30+ women have contested this final, so whoever wins will become the new oldest champion at this event.
Williams is looking for her 11th title of the year out of 13 finals played. She is on a 17 match win streak and is looking to win her 3rd straight championships in terms of her participation. However, she has twice lost the finals here (2002 and 2004) and is obviously out of gas after her epic semi final clash with Jankovic.
Li is looking for only her 2nd title of the year out of 4 finals played. Like Williams, she was unbeaten in her round robin group and has dropped only one set to Jankovic to reach the final. She's certainly the fresher of the two as she bids to beat both the worlds top 2 players in claiming this title.
Williams dominates the head to head 9-1, winning all 3 of their meetings this year in straight sets (see www.2013wtamiami.blogpsot.com, www.2013wtacincinnati.blogpsot.com, www.2013wtausopen.blogspot.com). However, Li's only win came on indoor hard back in 2008 at Stuttgart 06 61 64!
If Williams is tired and is serving like yesterday, she will struggle to contend with Li's power. Li will have to deal with the pressure though, which in itself could create problems for her. However, I have a feeling as this is the last match of the year that Williams will put everything into this one and even if she plays subpar, will still be tough to beat. I predict Williams will defend her title in straight sets as Li will be too nervous too take advantage of Williams's lethargy.
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