[poonnassunlix]

Women's final at the AEC pits the vet, and 3x Slam winner Maria Sharapova against 1st time Slam finalist Petra Kvitova.

Gotta love the way Maria is playing if you are a fan. Has yet to drop a set this tournament, and while the serve might still be a problem, she's making up for it with breaks (she's number 1 in the tournament with 30 breaks of her opponent's serve). Second trip to the Wimbledon finals, where as we all know, she is 1-0.

Petra follows up a 2010 Wimbledon breakthrough with taking things a step further this year, making her debut in a Slam final. She's the first lefty to reach a Slam final since Seles, and while her game can be streaky, her power has served her well this fortnight. And here's an interesting stat - 83 of 135 (61%), Petra's 2nd Serve points won.

We've seen 1st time Slam finalists collapse on the biggest stage. We've also seen them embrace the occasion. Will be interesting to see which course Petra chooses against one of the most determined and mentally tough players in the game.

H2H 1-0 Maria - they met on indoor hardcourts in Memphis in 2010, with Sharapova winning in straight sets.

[Vomephems]

I'm going with the reverse jinx for my SP and picking Maria to win in the poll!

[poonnassunlix]

I don't see Petra as being afraid of a final. And I think her serve will make the difference. Petra in 3, and a new Slam champion.

[delnisfernan]

I think Maria's got this one - I chose Maria in 3. She was my pick to win Wimbledon going into the tournament. I got sidetracked by my heart thinking that maybe Serena could pull off a miracle, but other than that, I see no reason to change my mind about Maria winning this.

TA

[AnthonyKing]

If her nerves don't do her in, I'm going with Kvitova in 3 - I think Kvitova's reaction to the occasion will allow Maria to win 1 set, but Kvitova will serve better and take advantage of Maria's serving troubles. Go Petra!

[clapsoewmred]

I'm also a member of the bug-eyed-Czech clan.

[estelle]

Maria has a history of raising her game at finals. I'm going to go ahead and say logically, I think Maria will pull out all the stops and come on top with the win.

However, I really really really (you can insert any number of really's in here) want Petra to take the crown.

[Vomephems]

We should also open a "Who do you want to win" thread

[ivandiadser]

Agree about the Who Do You Want - cuz I want Petra, but I think she will make too many errors. Shrieky Sharapova to win over Streaky Kvitova in 3.

[Finkevannon]

I say Petra in 2 in the worst final in recent memory.

[swissloveone]

I so want Kvitova but sadly I see Maria screaming her way to a two set win

[Ngwkgczx]

Maria in 3 is my pick. I only think it's going 3 sets because Maria has had one or two slow starts this tourney so she might get broken early in the first and Petra will sneak out that set.

Once Maria get her groove on it will be as easy as 1, 2,...

Foxy

[Angeheade]

Petra in 2. I think people are giving Maria a little too much credit, and Petra too little. She's had the tougher road to the final.

[UpperMan]

I actually want Maria to win. I think no matter who does win it will be a 3 setter. Good for the two of them for making the final.

[Les Allen]

Unless the occasion is too big for her, Petra in straights.

[Intockatt]

I think Maria will shellack her in two easy-ish sets. She hasn't lost a set all tournament, despite some scratchy play.

[popillio]

The ball bashing blonde lady with ova at the end of her name takes it all.

[Ztcgtqvb]

I think Maria takes it in two rather uncontested sets.

But I have to say, my opinion on this one is as uneducated as it could possibly get.

[jagxj12]

If Petra isn't overwhelmed by the occasion it's all hers.

[Vomephems]

The ball bashing blonde lady with ova at the end of her name takes it all.

Dunno...I like the won that beat the blonde in the semis actually.