Garbine Muguruza, Karolina Pliskova, Simona Halep and two other stars set to light up Flushing Meadows

Sport360 staff 15:52 28/08/2017
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  • Garbine Muguruza is the favourite to win a third Grand Slam title but she will face stiff competition from World No1 Karolina Pliskova and Simona Halep at Flushing Meadows.

    Meanwhile, there are a number of players, who on their day, have the ability to make headlines of their own.

    Ahead of the tournament, here’s a look at five stars who are set to flourish at the US Open.

    Who do you think will win?

    Let us know on our Twitter and Facebook pages.

    GARBINE MUGURUZA

    Age: 23
    World ranking: 3
    2017 Win/loss: 39-15
    Titles won: 2
    US Open best: 2nd round (2015, 2016)

    Why she’ll win it: Has form – two defeats in her last 18 and titles at Cincinnati and Wimbledon – plus for the first time seems to be relishing and comfortable in the limelight as a leading lady.

    Why she won’t: Has never been past the second round and could face Kvitova and Wozniacki before the semi-finals.

    Garbine Muguruza.

    Garbine Muguruza.

    KAROLINA PLISKOVA

    Age: 25
    World ranking: 1
    2017 Win/loss: 42-12
    Titles won: 3
    US Open best: Runner-up (2016)

    Why she’ll win it: Came desperately close last year is now a better player. Her understated personality means she always flies under the radar so shouldn’t experience much pressure or attention until later rounds. Also in the easier half of the draw.

    Why she won’t: Has struggled with her energy levels post-French Open and record against top-10 opposition isn’t great for a No1: won – 8, lost – 4.

    Karolina Pliskova.

    Karolina Pliskova.

    SIMONA HALEP

    Age: 25
    World ranking: 2
    2017 Win/loss: 39-12
    Titles won: 1
    US Open best: Semi-final (2015)

    Why she’ll win it: Has reached at least the quarterfinals in four of her last five Slams. Semi-finals in Toronto and final in Cincinnati shows her form on this surface.

    Why she won’t: Sharapova up first is a real banana skin. She’s gone deep in lots of tournaments but has won just one of four finals. Her heartbreaking loss in the French Open decider still haunts her to a degree.

    Simona Halep.

    Simona Halep.

    JOHANNA KONTA

    Age: 26
    World ranking: 7
    2017 Win/loss: 36-12
    Titles won: 2
    US Open best: 4th round (2015, 2016)

    Why she’ll win it: Away from the focus and pressure cooker of being a British player at Wimbledon, she can go about her business becoming part of the elite. Has made the last 16 two

    years running and both her titles in 2017 have come on hardcourts.

    Why she won’t: Still lacks that genuine big match knowhow in a semi-final or final. Is a patchy 2-2 since her run to the last four at Wimbledon.

    Johanna Konta.

    Johanna Konta.

    VENUS WILLIAMS

    Age: 37
    World ranking: 9
    2017 Win/loss: 29-10
    Titles won: 0
    US Open best: Winner (2000, 2001)

    Why she’ll win it: Made the finals in Australia and Wimbledon and the Williams sisters just deal in spectacular narratives – a win here will take her to world No1. If she makes it to the second week expect a partizan crowd to get right behind her.

    Why she won’t: Hasn’t made it past the quarterfinals in NYC since 2010. Also has Wozniacki and Muguruza in her quarter of the draw.

    Venus Williams.

    Venus Williams.

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