August 26, 2011
Kim Clijsters has claimed the last two US Open titles. But she's not going to be in New York to defend her throne, which leaves the women's field more open than it usually is.
Still, there are some women that have a much better chance at claiming victory than others. Okay, that's obvious, but there are a few clear favorites.
I like Maria Sharapova this week. She's won the US Open in the past and is generally just playing strong tennis right now.
As the No. 3 seed, she'll have a relatively clear path through her bracket. When you consider that and her strong play, Sharapova is a pretty logical choice. But she's not the only one.
Serena Williams
Williams is a three-time champion at the US Open. She's won twice since the Wimbledon, both on hard courts. In the process, she has beaten some of the top players of 2011, including Sharapova.
When Williams plays her best, there are still very few players that can play with her.
She does have a few drawbacks. As the No. 28 seed, Williams will have a tough road to the finals. A slightly poor performance will test her earlier than the high seeds have to deal with.
Also, Williams withdrew from Cincinnati earlier this month. That doesn't appear to be a serious injury in any way, but it's something to look at.
Still, if it's not Sharapova, Williams is the obvious favorite.
Vera Zvonareva
With Clijsters out, it makes sense to at least look at last year’s runner up, doesn’t it?
Zvonareva made two grand slam finals in 2010, but hasn’t been as strong this year. Still, her performances have been okay, and she made the semi finals at the Australian Open.
That’s noteworthy because while they play differently, the Australian Open and US Open are the only two hard court grand slams.
As the No. 2 seed, Zvonareva should have the second easiest path to the finals.
Caroline Wozniacki
Wozniacki and Zvonareva have a lot in common. Both are high seeds (Wozniacki is No. 1), neither have won a grand slam, and both have lost to Clijsters in a US Open final.
Wozniacki should have a clear path, being the No. 1 seed. She’s playing good tennis; that just hasn’t translated to grand slams.
But Wozniacki has back to back semifinal appearances at the US Open. In 2009, she made it to the finals.
Wozniacki needs to win a grand slam before she can be considered the true No. 1, but she easily belongs on this list.
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