Serena Williams vs Simona Halep, Wimbledon 2019 women's final: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?
What is it?
The ladies' singles final at SW19, between heavy-hitter Serena Williams and first-time Wimbledon finalist Simona Halep. Williams is aiming to win her eighth singles title at the All England Club and will start this match as a strong favourite given that she has won nine of her 10 meetings with Halep.
It is worth noting, however, that Williams has lost her past two championship matches at Grand Slam tournaments - against Angelique Kerber at Wimbledon and against Naomi Osaka at the US Open, both in 2018.
When is it?
Tomorrow. Saturday, July 13.
What time does it start?
The showdown is set to take place at 2pm.
What TV channel is it on?
The BBC's coverage will start at 1pm on BBC 1, running to 6.35pm.
What will the weather be like?
Sunny spells are forecast for SW19, with temperatures hitting the mid twenties. Some showers could make an appearance, but it is hoped the weather will settle in time for the matches.
How has Halep shaped up so far?
First round - Aliaksandra Sasnovich
The seventh seed opened up Court One for the tournament and came out of a competitive match with a 6-4, 7-5 win against the Belarussian.
Second round - Mihaela Buzarnescu
An all-Romanian tie went the distance in the second round as Halep got the better of her compatriot 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.
Third round - Victoria Azarenka
A mouth-watering battle of two former world No 1s looked in prospect and it was given Centre Court billing, but Halep cruised to a 6-3, 6-1 win.
Fourth round - Cori Gauff
Halep proved to be one of the least popular fourth-round winners ever when she ended the hopes of 15-year-old Gauff with a 6-3, 6-3 win.
Quarter-final - Shuai Zhang
The former French Open champion overcame a tricky start against the surprise package, but eventually posted a 7-6 (4), 6-1 success.
Semi-final - Elina Svitolina
With her first Wimbledon final in her grasp, there were no nerves on show as she outplayed her Ukrainian opponent in a disappointingly one-sided 6-1, 6-3 win.
And what about Serena?
First round - Giulia Gatto-Monticone
Williams was given a gentle opener against the Italian qualifier and she got a good work out in a 6-4, 7-5 win.
Second round - Kaja Juvan
One of the biggest shocks in Wimbledon history was on the cards as Williams lost the first set to the 18-year-old, but she came back to triumph 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 in front of the watching Duchess of Sussex.
Third round - Julia Goerges
In a repeat of last year's semi-final, Williams again got the better of the German, posting a 6-3, 6-4 victory.
Fourth round - Carla Suarez Navarro
Williams kept up her 100 per cent record against Navarro with the easiest of victories, dropping just four games in a 6-2, 6-2 win.
Quarter-final - Alison Riske
Williams' toughest test was against world No 1 Ashleigh Barty's conqueror Riske in the last eight and she looked to be in trouble as she was a break down in the final set. However, she rallied to win 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
Semi-final - Barbora Strycova
The wily Czech was no match for the power of Williams in a one-sided match that she dominated from the start, triumphing 6-1, 6-2.
What are they saying?
Williams is in a different place with her performance on the court - something she thinks was helped by her partnership with Andy Murray in the mixed doubles:
"I'm in a different place, because I wasn't really playing a month ago, like, at all.
"So it's all kind of coming together."
And as for her one-time loss to Halep in the 2014 WTA Finals?
"The biggest key with our matches is the loss that I had. I never forgot it. She played unbelievable. That makes me know that level she played at - she can get there again. So I have to be better than that."
This will be Halep's first final at Wimbledon and her opponent is a formidable one - but Halep is more bothered about focusing on her own performance:
"I'm desperate to win Wimbledon more than to stop her. I will focus on myself."
What are the odds?
Serena to win 1/2
Halep to win 6/4
What's our prediction?
Williams has an impressive slew of titles under her belt, with 23 grand slam titles compared to Halep's one. Last season's rocky path seems to have ended, with Serena's doubles matches giving her an edge and renewed confidence.
But Halep is into her first Wimbledon final after an impressive campaign - one that is not guaranteed to end in defeat.
Prediction: Serena to win in straight sets.
