OUR EXPERTS WEIGH IN
STEVE TIGNOR:Zverev
This is indeed a tough call. We already know Ostapenko's ceiling—it's basically limitless—but we don't know how consistently she can reach it. The opposite is true for Zverev; he's made it clear that he'll be a steady threat, and we know he has the right physical traits to reach the top. But we haven't seen his peak. Still, he seems more likely to me to go deep from week to week.
BRAD KALLET:Ostapenko
As much as I love Zverev’s game, he has yet to prove himself at the majors. He’s never been past the fourth round at a Slam. Ostapenko, on the other hand, won the French Open and had a terrific run at Wimbledon. Currently ranked No. 13, the Latvian has plenty of room to move up inside the unstable WTA Top 10. With more order in the ATP, it’s harder to gain significant ground.
NINA PANTIC: Ostapenko
One of the biggest challenges in tennis, especially at a young age, is defending points. Zverev, just 20, has had success for a longer period of time than Ostapenko. That may seem like a great thing, but he has to defend a lot more points the rest of this season (765) than the Latvian (200). Ostapenko’s go-for-broke style will have her swinging freely, while Zverev will feel the pressure to defend his title in St. Petersburg and back up two other semifinal runs.
ED MCGROGAN: Zverev
We have probably seen the best version of Ostapenko we’ll see for the remainder of the year—and possibly her career. That’s not a knock on the French Open champion, but it’s tough to see her surpassing the electric highs we witnessed at Roland Garros. Zverev, on the other hand, should not only win a Grand Slam title, but should contend for the No. 1 ranking. He won’t get there this year, but I’m betting he’ll finish higher on the season-ending totem pole than Ostapenko because of his affinity for hard courts, outside and indoors. Look for Ostapenko to come back to earth when she comes to America.
ASHLEY NDEBELE: Ostapenko
Because of the current state of the WTA, Ostapenko has a very big chance of finishing the year inside the Top 3. She's showing the world that winning Roland Garros was no fluke and that she's ready to rule the women's game. Zverev, on the other hand, will have a difficult time penetrating the Top 4 since the men occupying these coveted slots aren't ready to give up the top reigns yet. He'll have to wait in line before he's admitted into this exclusive club.
STEVE FLINK: Zverev
Ostapenko should finish the year among the Top 10 in the world, but Zverev will as well. I believe, though, that Zverev will be more consistent from now until the end of the year so I am giving him the nod.
