The summit clash at the Guadalajara Open Akron is all set, with two unexpected players reaching the last two. The qualifier Olivia Gadecki is presented with the perfect opportunity to achieve glory at a WTA 500 event. But, is she up for the task? She’ll have to navigate past Magdalena Frech‘s formidable challenge on Sunday, September 15 at the Panamerican Tennis Center. Which player can furnish themselves with a maiden WTA crown? Let’s dive in to find out.

Magdalena Frech vs Olivia Gadecki: Preview

Fifth seed Magdalena Frech has stormed the Guadalajara Open with her athletic prowess. Having successfully commenced her campaign by registering a routine victory over Emina Bektas, the Pole showed her best form in the semifinals. In an energy-sapping contest, the 26-year-old narrowly edged past Caroline Garcia 7-6(4), 7-5 to advance to the finals.

Meanwhile, Olivia Gadecki, seeded ninth in the qualifiers has gained major traction in Guadalajara. She kicked off her main draw campaign by downing Sloane Stephens and later, followed up with a surprise victory over Danielle Collins. Maintaining her solid form, the Australian pro hardly broke a sweat against Camila Osorio in the semifinal and concluded the showdown with a score of 6-2, 6-3.

Frech vs Gadecki: Head-to-Head

The title decider of the WTA 500 event will mark the duo’s first on-court confrontation. Both players will be keen to gain a lead over the other, as they take on each other for the first time ever on the tour.

Prediction: Gadecki to win in three sets

Gadecki is having an unexpected run this season, as she has defeated some of the top and experienced players. She was positioned outside 150 in the rankings ahead of the tournament. However now, her recent accomplishments will place her within the top 100 starting Monday. The Australian is merely 22 years of age and if she maintains her newfound form, she should be a main draw entry for the 2025 Australian Open.

Boasting pure ball-striking gameplay, the Aussie packs a punch. The rising star also has a huge serve, a quality that was abundantly showcased during her last encounter. Notably, she registered 72% of wins on her first serve, while mustering up 55% on the second.

Magdalena Frech, on the other hand, will mark her second tour-final appearance and her maiden on hardcourts. She has been in impeccable form all week at Guadalajara, dropping merely one set in a total of nine. The Pole also finished runner-up at the Prague Open and it can be said, without a doubt, that she is capable of causing major upsets, and is likely in the mood to register another.

A versatile game style is what defines Frech’s play. She can easily frustrate her opponents by indulging in long rallies and by executing shots deemed impossible from unwinnable positions. However, her serve is in dire need of improvement. During her semifinal contest, the Polish star fired just one ace while fumbling on a worrisome seven double-fault record.

In summary, this match can be a toss-up. Frech’s experience might help her prevail, but Gadecki’s phenomenal form might help her overcome her opponent as well. To pick one, if Gadecki maintains her composure, she will likely lift the Guadalajara crown.