There is a lot of talk about the mens side at the U.S Open but who would you pick at this point to win the womens. This has been another relatively open year for womens tennis, although it has been a satisfying one with the 2 best players to not win a major both finally getting one in Halep and Wozniacki, and Angelique Kerber getting back to being a major contender and back in the slam winners circle at Wimbledon. The main contenders would seem to be:
Serena- hungry to get #24 and has by far the best U.S Open record of anyone. The only concern about her is her movement which is still far from 100% and hurt her in some of her matches at Wimbledon, particularly the final vs Kerber.
Kerber- A lot of people forget she was 1 point from winning the Australian Open, otherwise would be going for her 3rd slam of the year. Already showed in 2016 she can win 2 slams in a year and win the Open.
Halep- Although clay is clearly her best surface is also formidable on hard courts. Has a great personal record vs most of the top players on hard courts, minus Serena. Didnt look that good at Wimbledon, granted she isnt a good grass court player anyway so too much shouldnt be read into that, and might still be going through her post RG win hangover.
Muguruza- Last year she went into the Open as the clear favorite after a dominant summer and most saw her as the emerging new semi dominant #1. She lost there due to Petra Kvitova having one of her god mode days, otherwise would likely have rolled to the title as predicted, and hasnt been the same since despite getting to #1 briefly, and sweeping the Player of Year awards for 2017. Has had a subpar year, but can pop out and come up with a big win at short notice.
Stephens- The defending Champion. Has had a decent year, including nearly winning Roland Garros. As always with Stephens it is hard to say how she will play until the event starts
Keys- People have been waiting for her to win a slam for awhile now. This is by far her best surface. She can overpower any women on tour, but can she keep it together for 7 straight matches. Last year she looked on course to do it, but fell very flat in the final vs a clinical Stephens.
Wozniacki- I would be a bit amazed if she ever gets a 2nd slam, she did great to finally get that long overdue slam truthfully past her prime, but you cant discount her as a contender at the moment. Particularly on hard courts, by far her best surface.
