Six women to watch at US Open 2016

Sport360 staff 09:59 29/08/2016
The top contenders

Serena Williams heads into the US Open at Flushing Meadows as the top contender despite an early exit from the Olympic Games in Rio.

The Wimbledon 2016 winner is chasing a record seventh title in New York and is still not at 100 per cent following a shoulder injury that plagued her in Brazil, opening the door for other contenders.

Germany’s Angelique Kerber is just one of the players with a chance to seize the number one ranking if Williams falters.

Third-seeded Spaniard Garbine Muguruza also has a shot at the top, although the 22-year-old who stunned Williams in the French Open final will need her best US Open ever to do so. In three main-draw appearances she has won just one match.

Sport360 takes a look at the women to watch in New York.

SERENA WILLIAMS (USA)

WTA ranking: 1

Grand Slam singles titles: 22

US Open best: Won 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012-14

The American is poised to equal Steffi Graf’s record of 186 straight weeks as world No1. And she can go one better than the German by winning a seventh US Open and take her Grand Slam haul to a record 23. Serena enters the tournament after an early defeat at the Olympics where she had a right shoulder problem

ANGELIQUE KERBER (GER)

WTA ranking: 2

Grand Slam singles titles: 1

US Open best: Semi-final in 2011

Kerber is the one to watch, having defeated Serena to claim her maiden major at the Australian Open this year and finishing runner-up at Wimbledon. Would have been world No1 but for her final defeat in Cincinnati. Kerber also missed out on Olympic gold, losing to Monica Puig in the final, and will have her sights on the trophy in New York.

GARBINE MUGURUZA (ESP)

WTA ranking: 3

Grand Slam singles titles: 1

US Open best: Second round in 2015

The big hitting Spaniard won her maiden grand slam at the French Open but has struggled to maintain her form since. Muguruza lost in the second round at Wimbledon and third round at the Olympics. However, she made it to the semifinals in Cincinnati and her opponents should be prepared for a big challenge.

MADISON KEYS (USA)

WTA ranking: 9

Grand Slam singles titles: None

US Open best: Fourth round in 2015

The 21-year-old is beginning to showcase her potential. Keys reached the Olympics semi-final and then lost a three-set bronze medal match to Petra Kvitova. Has barely recovered from a neck injury but should be up for it.

KAROLINA PLISKOVA (CZE)

WTA ranking: 11

Grand Slam singles titles: None

US Open best: Third round in 2014

The Czech star crushed Garbine Muguruza in the Cincinnati semis, before brushing aside Angelique Kerber in the final with her powerpacked game. Her dominance over the two players should serve as a big warning to others.

MONICA PUIG (PUR)

WTA ranking: 34

Grand Slam singles titles: None

US Open best: Second round in 2014

The 22-year-old created history by winning Puerto Rico’s first Olympic gold medal. She defeated three major champions – Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova and Angelique Kerber – along the way. Won’t be short on confidence.

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