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Match details
Fixture: (1) Ons Jabeur vs Astra Sharma
Date: 18 April 2021
Tournament: MUSC Health Women's Open 2021
Round: Finals
Venue: Charleston, United States
Category: WTA 250
Surface: Green clay
Prize money: $235,238
Match timing: Not before 2 pm local time, 11.30 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Europsort
Ons Jabeur vs Astra Sharma preview
Top seed Ons Jabeur put up a strong showing in her semifinal match at the MUSC Health Women's Open 2021, outclassing the in-form Danka Kovinic in straight sets. The win is especially significant given that Jabeur lost to the same opponent just about a week ago.
On Saturday, however, the Tunisian stepped out with a level of intensity and focus that was missing from the duo's last meeting, and was able to flip the script on Kovinic.
Awaiting Jabeur in the final is Australia's Astra Sharma, who came through a resounding win over recently-crowned Bogota champion Maria Camila Osorio Serrano.
Sharma had already scored wins over the likes of 8th seed Madison Brengle and Wang Yafan, but she peaked in the match against Osorio Serrano. After saving four set points in the opener, the 25-year-old found her range behind the return to breeze through a comfortable second set.
She will now be hoping to carry the momentum into Sunday's final against a solid-looking Jabeur.
Ons Jabeur vs Astra Sharma head-to-head
The final is set to be the first career meeting between Ons Jabeur and Astra Sharma, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Ons Jabeur vs Astra Sharma prediction
Both Ons Jabeur and Astra Sharma will be playing in the second WTA final of their respective careers. Neither, however, has an actual title under their belt, and will be sensing a huge opportunity here.
Jabeur, in particular, has been playing some solid tennis over the last couple of years, and the only thing missing from her cabinet is a winner's trophy. The 26-year-old is prone to patchy play and occasional lapses in concentration, but has looked much sharper in her matches this week.
In Sharma, the Tunisian faces a player who is likely to win a few free points behind her serve. And that is why she will have to be careful about not giving away any easy points through unforced errors.
Jabeur has waited a long time for a second WTA final. If she can maintain her focus long enough to put herself in a strong position, she should be able to walk away with a title this time.
Prediction: Ons Jabeur to win in straight sets.
