New York Empire vs Chicago Smash: World TeamTennis Final Preview and Prediction

After a few weeks of entertaining tennis jam-packed with stars, we are all set for the grand final tonight. New York Empire proved too good by stunning the table toppers, Philadelphia Freedoms in the semifinal yesterday. On the other hand, Chicago Smash defeated the Orlando Storm comprehensively.

Though New York's doubles pair of Coco Vandeweghe/ Nicole Melichar had a tough loss, they would be looking to bounce back today. It will not be an easy task though as they face world-class opponents in Eugenie Bouchard/ Bethanie Mattek-Sands who have clicked well for Chicago this season. 

With a three-match unbeaten streak to their credit, Jack Sock/ Neal Skupski are in roaring form. It will be a mouth-watering clash as Chicago's Rajeev Ram/ Brandon Nakashima are on the upswing having won their previous two games. 

In the absence of their star player, Kim Clijsters, Vandeweghe has to pull up her socks in the women's singles. Having lost a close encounter to Sofia Kenin yesterday, she will be keen to get back on track. Her compatriot, Sloane Stephens will also be short of confidence having suffered a surprise defeat to Orlando's Jessica Pegula. 

Sock has turned to be the most valuable player for New York with his all-round performance. In an all-American battle in the semifinals yesterday, he controlled his nerves to trounce Taylor Fritz 5-4. 

Chicago would be upbeat as Nakashima played his best match of the tournament thrashing the experienced Tennys Sandgren 5-1 in the playoffs. The teen won 77% of his first-serve points in a special show. 

Both New York and Chicago are equally poised in the mixed doubles showdown. Though New York has two options ready for the match in the form of Melichar/ Skupski and Vandeweghe/Sock, they would prefer to go for the latter pair. Vandeweghe/Sock would be a better bet due to their attacking gameplay and experience in high-pressure matches.

 Chicago's Ram/ Mattek-Sands are no pushovers having won their last two games. The pair know to handle titular clashes effectively courtesy their stature of being grand slam champions. 

Having made their debut four years ago, New York would be eagerly waiting to get their hands on the coveted title. Chicago has outperformed expectations by making the final in just their inaugural season.

Prediction -  New York Empire to win

Featured image credits: espn.com