The US Open is the final Grand Slam of 2017 and in the homeland of Serena Williams, the women’s field will look to make the most of her absence.
We look ahead to what’s in store for us over the next fortnight Flushing Meadows with our 2017 US Open Women's Preview and Betting Tips. Meanwhile, you can find our US Open Men's betting preview here.
Karolina Pliskova is the world number one and returns to the scene of her breakout year last season. She defeated the Williams' sisters on her way to the final where she lost to Angelique Kerber. The Czech returns a year later as one of the favourites to take out the 2017 US Open. However, after failing early at the Wimbledon and a below-par preparation for the tournament, there are concerns if she can win that elusive Grand Slam title.
All eyes will be on Garbine Muguruza as the current Wimbledon Champion and probably the woman of the moment. The Spaniard has dispelled doubts on her ability to win a major at Wimbledon, but will have a tougher fight here. The draw hasn’t been kind either, with tough competitors like Magdelena Rybarikova, Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki lurking in the same quarter.
The biggest story of the tournament has to be Maria Sharapova taking on the second seed Simona Halep in the first round. The Russian comes with a 6-0 record over the Romanian, but these are different circumstances. Sharapova has played just one match since May. The second-seed should be favourite to reach at least the semi-finals.
Among others, the name that stands out is the British number-seven seed Johanna Konta. Her run to the Wimbledon semis was exceptional, although her form has tapered off since then. She can be a dangerous customer, however, and the seeds would be watchful of her.
Where does that leave Venus? Never the one to fold without a fight, the elder Williams' sibling has already reached two Grand Slam finals this year. She has to fight the in-form Muguruza and Wozniacki in her part of the quarter and that could be difficult for Venus.
Defending Champion Kerber had a very ordinary season and is yet to win a title in 2017. Seeded sixth here, the German has the credentials to go beyond, the rankings but it is tough to see her going all the way.
For the hosts, there is an exciting array of young players on offer with Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys and Coco Vandeweghe the ones to watch out for. Will one of them go all the way? Unlikely.
2017 US Open Women's Betting Tips
Muguruza is the favourite at odds of $5.50 and that looks just about right. Pliskova follows at odds of $7.5, while Konta and Halep at odds of $13 might be the value plays. We will be sticking with Muguruza, however.
Tip: Muguruza to win the 2017 US Open - $5.50 at Sportsbet
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