Gold Medal Match:
Angelique Kerber vs. Monica Puig
Angelique Kerber has had an unforgettable year even with a patchy clay court season. She is 2 sets away from adding a gold medal to her Australian Open title and Wimbledon runner-up 2016 results. Monica Puig has pulled upset after upset to reach the gold medal round. If I sat aside my writing self and simply listed my 5 favorite players on the WTA tour, both Kerber and Puig would be on that list. Monica Puig’s ability to win the third set against Petra Kvitova demonstrated her willingness to fight even when momentum and status on tour might have suggested Kvitova would roll. Still, I think Kerber’s scrambling, her lefty-shotmaking, and her fighting spirit will be enough to win this match.
My Prediction: Angelique Kerber d. Monica Puig 6-4, 6-2
Confidence in my pick: moderately high
Bronze Medal Match:
Madison Keys vs. Petra Kvitova
Madison Keys has not lost nearly as many head scratching matches in 2016 as Petra Kvitova has. If Petra is playing her best, she should win. However, Petra’s level of play can have a major drop off. I think Keys will be seeking some consolation from her runner-up finish at Montreal and semifinal loss in Rio. A bronze medal may be the best medicine for any lingering regrets.
My Prediction: Madison Keys d. Petra Kvitova 7-5, 6-3
Confidence in my pick: low – If Petra is zoning, she could win quite easily. She is a wildcard.
#Tennis Upstart Puig, confident Kerber meet in Olympic tennis final… https://t.co/0IaA1PvXVH pic.twitter.com/FMgZ5WHcmO
— Tennis daily post (@epeaktennis) August 13, 2016
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 