US Open: Six aces who can rule Flushing Meadows

Reem Abulleil - Reporter/Sub-editor 16:01 25/08/2014
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    • Five-time US Open champion: Roger Federer.

    The US Open starts today and with an array of big players missing out, it is difficult to say who will be crowned champion in the men's and women's. Here are the top three aces in both genders to keep an eye out for.

    Roger Federer (SUI)

    ATP ranking: 3
    Age: 33
    Best US Open Result: Winner (2004-2008)
    The Swiss is a five-time champion in New York and heads into the Open in form having made the final in Toronto and won Cincinnati. Has been playing his best tennis in years and his movement is currently as good as it was in his 20s. The fast surface at Flushing Meadows could only help his aggressive game.

    Novak Djokovic (SRB)

    ATP ranking: 1
    Age: 27
    Best US Open Result: Winner (2011)
    Briefly regained his confidence after winning Wimbledon last month but has suffered unexpected losses in the build-up to the Open. Still, he has made five finals in New York and is definitely a contender for the title. Has a tough draw with both Murray and Tsonga in his quarter.

    Andy Murray (GBR)

    ATP ranking:9
    Age: 27
    Best US Open Result: Winner (2012)
    Has a lot to prove now that he has fully recovered from his back surgery and is searching for his first title since Wimbledon 2013. New York has always been his favourite slam and it is where he captured his first major. Has to overcome a brutal draw though, with both Tsonga and Djokovic in his path to the semis.

    Simona Halep (ROU)

    WTA ranking: 2
    Age: 22
    Best US Open Result: Fourth round (2013)
    Has been the second most consistent player in majors this year having made the quarters in Melbourne, the final in Paris and the semis at Wimbledon. Heads into the Open with just four hard court matches under her belt in the build-up though. Has Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova in her quarter.

    Maria Sharapova (RUS)

    WTA ranking: 6
    Age: 27
    Best US Open Result: Winner (2006)
    Has had a tough build-up to the US Open, with five of her seven matches going to three sets. Has shown good form this year following a four-month break end of last season which saw her skip the US Open with a shoulder injury. Her quarter of the draw resembles a minefield.

    Serena Williams (USA)

    WTA ranking: 1
    Age: 32
    Best US Open Result: Winner (1999, 2002, 2008, 2012-2013)
    The two-time defending champion is looking to salvage her season after not making it past the fourth round in any of the majors in 2014. Her warm-up for the Open has been great, having picked up titles in Stanford and Cincinnati. Has Sam Stosur and Ana Ivanovic in her quarter of the draw.

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