After a hiatus last year, we've finally reached our first Wimbledon final since 2019, with world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty taking on Karolina Pliskova in a tantalizing fight.
The return of fans to the stands has brought a renewed sense of excitement about the courts over the past two weeks. While the thoughts of COVID-19 were accompanied by strict protocols for both competitors and fans, it did not overshadow the fact that we have been treated to some exceptional matches.
Barty, 25, is the first Australian woman since Evonne Golgong Kavle to reach a Wimbledon final. Barty has worn a kit honoring her legendary predecessor throughout the tournament, and that inspiration was clear to see in the top-seeded victory over former champion Angelique Kerber in the semifinals.
Barty has never won at Wimbledon, but in the final she brings significant experience over Pliskova. The No. 8 seed has never won a major title, and Barty has an advantage in their head-to-head (5-2).
So what can Pliskova do to derail Barty's march toward the title? ESPN analysts Rene Stubbs, Pam Shriver and James Blake looked at key elements and previewed the match.
Stubbs: I think both players will be very nervous. Even though both have played in Slam finals before, the final day of Wimbledon is different. The honor of this title is not less than anyone, so its importance is important. Who will handle the pressure best?
Shriver: I think they both have the same experience. They have both reached a major final and have played many big matches away from the big companies. They're both going to be as nervous as ever - it's a Wimbledon final. But I think they have the time and experience to settle down, and I really think it's going to be a really interesting final. I am impressed with how both the players are playing their best tennis to go into the finals. Barty has improved every round and gained confidence after a hip injury at the French Open, which is no longer an issue. Breaking service will be difficult. I want to see Pliskova and how she gets into it. I think if she can come in and really put pressure on Barty backhand, that could be an important tactical move. I don't think enough people have challenged Barty's backhand coming.
Blake: Barty is the only person to have a Slam title, so I think there may be some nerves for Pliskova. I think it puts a lot of weight on her - for a while now - she's probably been the best player in the world (even reaching No. 1). So I think she weighs a lot more than Barty, who's been there before, and I think she's a little more comfortable and natural on the surface as well.
What are Pliskova's strengths and what does she need to do to challenge Barty?
Stubbs: Pliskova's serve is her most important shot. If his first serve percentage is at least in the high 60s, he has a chance, depending on how aggressive he is. In my opinion, he needs to use his forehand to try to get into Barty's backhand. If she is coming at least 15-20 times, she can win.
Shriver: Pliskova's main strength is that she only left the service four times. He is very confident to serve. She lost serve once against Arya Sabalenka on double fault to end the first set, but to her credit was the last time she lost serve for the entire semi-final against a big returner. I also feel that Pliskova is moving forward as well as I have seen her move and play shots with a lot of finesse. She doesn't want to get into a finesse battle with Barty because she'll lose him, but sometimes she can handle Barty's finesse with a slice backhand. I think it's going to be a good final.
Blake: He has great service. One of the best in women's sport. He has a big forehand. She's got first-strike tennis, so it's relatively simple, while Barty has a lot more nuance in her game. As for Pliskova, she just has to get off the mark really quickly, keep playing attacking tennis and not really let Barty move her around. He must control the center of the court and take the first chance.
What has been the key to Barty?
Stubbs: Serving is equally important for Barty. Both of these players need first serve percentages in the high 60s to be effective. Her second serve is better than Pliskova's, but the way Pliskova is serving, she still doesn't want to give her too many chances in her serve.
Shriver: Gaining confidence in your movement and coming back 100% after running out of French. Simply relying on his 1-2 punches - serve and forehand - and his two shots to take him to No. 1. Plus, his piece on the grass court pays more dividends than other surfaces, so that's been really helpful for him as well. It stays so low and has its sidespin on it. That's why some players, especially on the forehand side, hate it.
Blake: In my opinion, she's playing her game right now. I don't think she is playing above herself, going too far or doing anything that is out of her comfort zone. He just has a good game for the grass. The slices are better and she is using them more effectively and more often on grass than on other surfaces. So I think she is playing the right way and doing everything she should have. I think the biggest hurdle for her was whether she was healthy. Well, he is healthy enough to reach the finals.
Stubbs: I chose Barty to win and I stick to it. I think her variety is the key, and she'll win if she uses her slice to make Pliskova uncomfortable and takes her to one side. It's a battle between the two best servers in women's tennis, so whoever has the better stats in this category will win, but I'm choosing Barty.
Shriver: I already picked Barty, but if you told me that she would face on-form Pliskova, who only missed serve four times, I'd be a little nervous. You don't expect an easy major final. It will be the one who wins those two to three big points. Maybe a tiebreak in either of the two big sets is important - I think both players are ready. This is what a major does. Building on the six matches that go into the final, you're going into this seventh match, so now you're ready to go. There is little to distract them. They can only go between the bubble of club and hotel, and it's like going blind, so let's go.
Blake: I think Barty is going to win because he has an all-round game for the grass, which is more suited to it. I think she's going to handle the speed and power of Pliskova's serve and big forehand. I think Barty is moving pretty well and will keep it out of his strike zone for the win.