The US Open began in New York on Monday and while the men’s title traditionally goes to one of the favourites, the women’s side appear much more open with reigning champions Kim Clijsters pulling out injured.
Nevertheless, here’s Sports Pundit’s opportunity to analyse who are the contenders for the crown.
Men’s Draw
Novak Djokovic (1st seed)
The current world number one goes in as the favourite but a shoulder problem could complicate his charge towards the crown. Djokovic, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, has a sensational 2011 record of 57-2. It’s hard to argue with that but it also shows how much tennis he’s played this year and that’s a bit of a concern with his shoulder problem. He’ll be looking to win the US Open for the first time, having finished runner-up in 2007 and 2010.
Rafael Nadal (2nd seed)
The Spaniard appears tired and has had a tough year. Nadal is the reigning champions at Flushing Meadows but he didn’t look a champion at Wimbledon when downed by Djokovic. He did win the French Open but didn’t totally appear at his best. He’s had a bit of a break lately which might help, but a fit Djokovic will be tough to beat.
Roger Federer (3rd seed)
The Swiss maestro is a real chance to win at the US Open, given he loves the fast courts. He also appears to have a steely resolve and determination to succeed following the challenges of Djokovic and Nadal in recent times. His efforts at the French Open were impressive but he fell short. However if he comes with that attitude again, then with a bit of luck, he could go on and win at Flushing Meadows.
Andy Murray (4th seed)
The Briton remain a curious contender, as he’s made three Grand Slam finals but doesn’t seem to have the right attitude when it comes to the crunch against the big guns. Could this be the tournament he turns it around? Recent form suggests not, but you never know.
There’s also a few outsiders who could cause an upset and sneak through, with Juan Martin Del Porto leading the list. He’s a real enigma and can hit a ball on the fast courts too. American Mardy Fish represents the best local hope, while it’s always worth monitoring Thomas Berdych, Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Women’s
Caroline Wozniacki (1st seed)
The Dane still hasn’t won a Grand Slam but has all the ingredients to do so. This could be her time to break through. Her recent victory at New Haven suggests she’s got some form to take into New York but can she deliver on the grand stage when her opponents want it most? Wozniacki made her only Grand Slam final appearance at Flushing Meadows two years ago, which is a good sign.
Serena Williams (28th seed)
The American may be seeded way out at 28, but the three-time champion is the hot favourite for this year’s crown. It is only Williams’ second major tournament back after a year-long hiatus and she’s already proven she’s back to form with wins over Marion Bartoli and Maria Sharapova in recent times. The power-packed Williams loves the US Open hard courts and she’s the big favourite to win. No doubt.
Mario Sharapova (3rd seed)
The 2006 US Open champion is a big contender too and she shouldn’t be discounted with her power game. Sharapova’s run to the final of Wimbledon showed she is back to some super tennis but she can be inconsistent and produce too many unforced errors and double faults. Thankfully for her, she’s finding some consistency in recent times with good showings at Rome and Cincinnati.
Two-time winner Venus Williams is another big gun who is still a force to be reckoned with, but she is getting on in age and isn’t at peak fitness. Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova is a danger too, while second seed Vera Zvonareva and fourth seed Victoria Azarenka will be threats too.