Angelique Kerber vs. Doninika Cibulkova

These two met in the round robin with Kerber winning 7-6, 2-6, 6-3.  Are we headed for a similar tight match?  Perhaps, but Kerber seemingly shook off her post US Open haze with that win and has been pretty dominant in her 3 matches since that opening round robin match.  Cibulkova has obviously won every match since then as well, but her matches have been closer.  Both players are among the best movers on tour and neither gives anything away in terms of free points off of bad errors.

Both players can counterpunch and turn defense to offense, but I think the winning player will be the one who is more comfortable when dictating play.  Perhaps, Cibulkova attacks Kerber’s serve effectively and dictates play more frequently than one would expect. Perhaps, Kerber’s lefty forehand sends Cibulkova scrambling early and often.

Based on their first match, this match could go either way.  Based upon their semifinal form, I’d give Kerber a solid edge.  I will split the difference and give Kerber a slight edge to win and cap off her 2016 season.

My Prediction: Angelique Kerber d. Dominika Cibulkova 7-5, 7-5