The tournaments in Winston Salem and New Haven come to an end on Saturday to ensure the participants have at least a couple of days to make their way to New York City for the US Open.
Kevin Anderson - 3.5 games v Pierre-Hugues Herbert: Kevin Anderson came through his most difficult moments in the Semi Final in the very first service game of the match, but he ended up creating the break point chances and now goes for his first title since 2012.
Kevin Anderson has the experience of dealing with Finals as he has played in two already and now takes on a 'tired' Pierre-Hugues Herbert who somehow came through his Semi Final despite looking down and out.
Herbert was a set down, a break down, and faced two more break points but managed to save those against Steve Johnson before turning that match around. After playing eight matches in the last nine days, Herbert has admitted that he is feeling it physically and I think that might show up in this Final as well as the lack of experience that the Frenchman has at this level.
Of course that hasn't mattered at all this week as he has battled back from losing positions in the last two matches to fight through. However, Anderson will keep the pressure up with his big serve which is helping him out of difficult spots and knowing he won't crumble as Steve Johnson did in the Semi Final behind his best shot might just take away something from Herbert's resistance.
The first set should be tough, but Anderson getting in front will be much more difficult to pull back as Herbert did against Pablo Carreno Busta and Steve Johnson. Once Anderson is front, I expect him to go on and win his first title in over three years with a 64, 63 win.
Petra Kvitova - 2.5 games v Lucie Safarova: Petra Kvitova is looking to win her third title in four years at New Haven having battled through illness and some tough matches this week. Kvitova looks to have rounded into form at the right time with the Grand Slam just days away in Flushing Meadows and she has won all six previous matches against compatriot Lucie Safarova who opposes her in the Final.
You can't take anything away from the week that Safarova has had too which comes on the heels of a Quarter Final run at Cincinnati. This is a player who has improved markedly over the last fourteen months which an increased belief in her game and Safarova has a big serve with some heavy groundstrokes to give Kvitova something to think about.
However, Kvitova has been able to deal with what has come at her from the other side of the court because she has just slightly bigger weapons in both departments. The extra power just takes away a little time from Safarova and Kvitova has eventually worn her down in previous matches against her.
Of course the illness that Kvitova has been suffering with is a concern, but she has looked good this week and I think she breaks down Safarova again in a 76, 64 win.
MY PICKS: Kevin Anderson - 3.5 Games @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Petra Kvitova - 2.5 Games @ 1.80 Sky Bet (2 Units)
Weekly Update: 6-5, + 1 Units (22 Units Staked, + 4.55% Yield)
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