John McEnroe
Three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC TV

The serve is the absolute key. It's important for Barty but it's critical for Pliskova.

If Pliskova serves big, she might be picking up that trophy.

I will have to say Barty in three sets.

A nice rally to kick things off. Barty working the flanks well, sticking away a cross-court backhand for the opening point.

A precise ace makes it 30-0. Pliskova fends off a return but bats it long, with another service winner from the Aussie clinching the game.

Nerves? Pah!

Laura Robson
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live

I feel for Pliskova because Barty can make other player's technicue look a little bit 'ugly'

She looks so natural and I imagine she's been that way since she picked up a racquet.

Doubles has improved her slice, her net-game and her placement on the serve.

Ash's game is just really nice to watch, and she just has so much variation.

Barty won the toss, by the way. She chose to serve.

"End of warm-up," announces British umpire James Keothavong.

Here we go then...

paulcurran: Hoping for a 3 set classic

The warm-up doesn't look too intense from my vantage point. Pliskova, particularly, looks very relaxed.

John McEnroe
Three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC TV

I absolutely believe this will go the distance.

All the usual pageantry adds to the grandeur of the occasion. The coin toss, the photo. Then it's knock-up.

Here they are! A raucous cheer greets the pair as they nip through the white patio doors and then emerge round the side of the famous green tarpaulin.

If the adrenalin wasn't already pumping for Barty and Pliskova, then it will be now.

Strolling down the grand corridor, there are pictures of the great and the good. Then it is down the stairs and onto the polished wood. One more door to go through now...

A warm round applause greets some movement down on court. It's the lines judges! Slacks as cream and creaseless as ever.

Just the players to arrive now. They're walking from the locker room to Centre, Pliskova leading the way with Barty a pace of two behind.

How do you see this going then folks? A poignant win for Barty on the 50th anniversary of her Australian idol Evonne Goolagong's first triumph here? Or Pliskova to shake off that unwanted tag as a former number one yet to win a major?

Let us know how you think the match will pan out. You know the drill: tweet #bbctennis.

"There is nothing like Wimbledon," says our TV colleague Tracey Austin. She's right you know.

Celestial.

Everything is ready: lines painted, net tightened, fans giddy. What's missing? Just the two players.

Less than 10 minutes to go...

With the lush grass and roof over, there is a slight feeling of being inside a posh botanical gardens. Missing a few birds squeaking and insects humming, though.

But not anymore... we're back outside. The roof is open! We've got an outdoor tennis match on our hands.

Thanks Harry. We're all nicely in the mood now. Right? And hello everyone!!

Don't want to rub it in too much, but I'm sat here on Centre Court. It's absolutely buzzing! Boy, we missed this so much last year.

If Barty and Pliskova were on 90s TV show Gladiators then this would be Disruptor versus Missile.

An interesting hang tough ahead. Are you readdddddy?

Anne Keothavong
Former British number one on Tennis Breakfast

Ashleigh Barty has used her serve very well, the timing on it has been stunning.

She has all the variations of that forehand and it is a tough shot to read like her serve.

When Pliskova is serving well it brings her game on. Her serving has been accurate.

I think if the roof goes on, Pliskova's odds go up.

Martina Navratilova
Nine-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC TV

This is the best tennis Pliskova has played, ever.

This is not about the tennis shots you want to hit, it is about dealing with the shots you don't want to hit.

Karolina will not want to be digging out balls landing on her toes.

Image source, Getty Images

Sascha Bajin, Karolina Pliskova's coach, on what has been the key to the Czech's run to the Wimbledon final:

"Every tournament we go to I kind of really, not expect her to do well, but we aim for big results.

"Maybe this time I was a little bit more vocal. I don't know why. It was after that first match against Zidansek. She was 2-5 down first set and something happened. It's very hard for me to explain.

"I saw something change. She got up off the chair, different look in her eyes, like a different player. It was something about her that changed.

"I told her every day that we're going to be here two weeks later having this conversation. I'm just happy it worked out."

Martina Navratilova
Nine-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC TV

Ashleigh [Barty] and Evonne [Goolagong Cawley] share those bloodlines, the culture and the love of the sport.

They play very similar - she doesn't overpower you, but she makes people uncomfortable.

It is great to see her pay homage to Evonne and their heritage.

Image source, Getty Images

Craig Tyzzer, Ashleigh Barty's coach, on the courage it took her to make her desire to win Wimbledon public:

"I think it takes a lot to come out and make a statement like that, to say this is what I want to do. I think it's always been on her mind. It's probably on every tennis player's mind that this is the tournament they want to win.

"But to come out and say it is a big step. You put it out there. But Ash has been the sort of person who will put it on the line. She'll do her best. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out.

"Her confidence level has been really good. She's been playing good tennis. She's been building, it's getting better.

"We've got one more job to do. Hopefully she comes out and performs as well as she can again."