Jil Teichmann vs Jennifer Brady: Lexington Open Preview and Prediction

In a Lexington Open filled with surprise defeats and exciting thrillers, the two most consistent players face off in the final tonight. 

World number 49, Jennifer Brady takes on 63rd ranked Jil Teichmann. Interestingly, both the players have not lost a set so far. 

It has been a dream run for Teichmann. Having reached both the singles and doubles finals, the Swiss is in the best form of her life. She began with two straight-set wins over Anna Kalinskaya and fifth seed Yulia Putinsteva. In what was expected to be a tough battle against the tenacious CiCi Bellis, she came out on top defeating her 6-2 6-4 in the quarterfinals. 

Shelby Rogers was a pale shadow of herself after her match-winning performance against Serena Williams. Teichmann won comprehensively defeating the American 6-3 6-2. 

On the other hand, it has been usual business for Brady dismissing opponents with relative ease. After a thumping 6-2 6-1 win over Heather Watson to begin her campaign, the American ran into Magda Linette in the pre-quarterfinals. The 6th seed had no answers to Brady's strong serve as she smashed seven aces and won 77% of her first-serve points. The 25-year-old also converted all her breakpoints. Another comprehensive performance followed as she thrashed Marie Bouzkova 6-1 6-2 in the quarterfinals. 

The semifinals was expected to be a close contest owing to Cori Gauff's form and never-say-die attitude. However, the 16-year-old came up a cropper as she lost the match 6-2 6-4. 

Strengths of Teichmann

Having won two WTA titles and six ITF tournaments on her favourite clay-court surface, Teichmann's stupendous performance on hard-courts comes as a pleasant surprise. The Swiss has shown remarkable calmness in pressure situations. With her first-serve showing massive improvement from her initial matches, she would rely on it to get past Brady. Teichmann has made adjustments to her baseline game according to the match situation with the help of her variety in groundstrokes.

Strengths of Brady

A big-serve is crucial to Brady's success having blasted 31 aces in four matches. The American's second-serve looks a bit off-colour and she needs to improve it. Her forehand needs to be in perfect condition today. 

Head to Head record 

Both Brady and Teichmann are levelled 1-1 in their head to head record. Hence, they would look to go one better this time. Having missed the Lexington Open last year and playing her first WTA final, this is Brady's best chance to win. Teichmann is no stranger to playing in WTA finals having won two before. Her big-match experience would keep her in good stead.

Prediction - Jil Teichmann to win in three sets

Featured image credits: tennisworldlive.com