Williams, a seven-time champion, is through to her 11th final at the All England Club after she beat Barbora Strycova 6-1, 6-2 in the semi-finals on Thursday. The American, 37, will be aiming to win a record-equalling 24th grand slam title.
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Despite her career success at Wimbledon Williams was beaten 6-3, 6-3 in last year’s final by Angelique Kerber.
Halep progressed to the final after beating Elina Svitolina 6-1, 6-3 in the last four.
It will be the Romanian’s fifth grand slam final and first at Wimbledon. The 27-year-old is going for second slam title after winning the 2018 French Open.
How to watch on TV
The final will be shown live on BBC One. Coverage begins at 1pm and the match starts at 2pm.
What they said after the semi-finals
Williams, seeded 11th
“It feels good to be back in the final. It’s good, especially after my year. I just needed some matches. I know I’m improving and I just needed to feel good and then I can do what I do best which is play tennis.
“I love what I do, I wake up every morning and I get to be fit and play sport and play in front of crowds like here at Wimbledon - not everyone can do that. I’m still pretty good at what I do and it’s always an amazing experience.”
Halep, seeded 7th
“As a player I can say that I have a better game these days. I can play everywhere, against anyone. It’s good that I have more plans. When I go on court and face an opponent, I know how to play against her.
“Also I know how to change some things when it doesn’t work very well. As a person, I’m trying just to be confident, to be positive. I’m working hard to do the best always when I step on the court.
“I talked to my mum after the match. About ten, 15 years ago she said her dream is [the] final in Wimbledon because everyone is here, the Royal Box. She said I think it’s an unbelievable moment. So today her dream came true, so I will play a final.”
Serena vs. Simona head-to-head
Serena Williams
Age: 37
Nationality: American
World ranking: 10
Plays: right-handed
WTA singles titles: 72
Grand slam titles: 23
Simona Halep
Age: 27
Nationality: Romanian
World ranking: 7
Plays: right-handed
WTA singles titles: 18
Grand slam titles: 1
Previous meetings
The duo have played each other on ten previous occasions with Williams winning nine times and Halep once.
(Image credit: Adam Davy/Press Association/Pool/Getty Images)
Predictions: who will win the women’s title?
Verity Bowman, The Daily Telegraph
“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.”
Rob Blanchette, Bleacher Report
“If Williams equals [Margaret] Court’s overall record of grand slam titles on Saturday, tennis fans will believe she will go on and make the outright accolade her own. Despite only being the No.11 seed, Williams is playing more like a world No.1 in the ascendancy. However, in terms of this year’s competition, Halep is perfectly matched to challenge Williams. Williams is aware she will face the toughest encounter of her tournament against the 27-year-old. The American should beat anyone playing at her current level, but she will not have it all her own way on Saturday. Prediction: Williams wins in three sets.”
Pete Bodo, ESPN
“Serena was in a similar situation in last year’s final against Angelique Kerber, who ended up shocking most pundits - as well as Williams - by playing lights-out tennis and denying Williams the win. She will be extra alert and super eager to get the No.24 major title that everyone but Williams keeps talking about. She knows what pressure is all about. She won’t let this one slip away.”
Tom Hamilton, ESPN
“Halep will come through in three sets in a match for the ages.”
Harsh Bhoot, Last Word on Tennis
“Halep has beaten Williams just once and one can see why. Williams’ penetrating return, which was devastating against Strycova, make it very difficult for Halep to defend her serve. They met earlier this year at the Australian Open and it went the American’s way after a tight three setter. Make no mistake, Halep will give her all, but it looks unlikely to be enough to match the power of Williams. The American looked scarily strong in her semi-final and will take some stopping in the Wimbledon final. Prediction: Williams in three.”
Jim Smith, Last Word on Tennis
“Halep has only beaten Williams once in ten meetings and never on the grass. But the Romanian has looked mightily impressive so far, negotiating arguably a tougher draw than Williams with ease. And for all the American’s mental fortitude, she has struggled to keep her composure on the biggest stage of late. If Halep can serve well and pick the Williams serve early, she has every chance of lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish. Prediction: Halep in three.”
Adam Evans, The Stats Zone
“Halep’s defence is truly at an elite level, but it is no secret that grass is not her favoured surface where, on the other hand, Wimbledon is Williams’ home. The seven-time champion can break her own record by winning this final to lift her eighth title and her 24th singles title overall. Halep has every chance to take a set but it is more likely that Serena grinds out a two-set victory.”
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