21 august 2024 : As the 2024 US Open draws near, the women’s singles event is set to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory. A number of elite players are vying for the title, each showcasing their distinct skills and recent achievements on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Iga Świątek enters the tournament as the top seed and a prominent favorite. The Polish athlete has had an impressive season, marked by her third consecutive victory at the French Open. Her outstanding performance on clay has translated well to hard courts, demonstrating her adaptability.
Nevertheless, her unexpected departure from Wimbledon and a semifinal defeat at the Olympics have highlighted the vulnerabilities even the top players can face. Despite these challenges, Świątek’s consistency and resilience in overcoming setbacks make her a key contender to monitor.
Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, aims to mirror her success from the previous year. Gauff’s season has been characterized by significant fluctuations, testing her determination. She advanced to the quarterfinals at the Olympics, yet her early exits in subsequent tournaments, such as the Canadian and Cincinnati Opens, have raised concerns regarding her current performance level.
While Gauff’s recent difficulties may cast doubt on her title defense, her familiarity with the venue and the support of the home crowd could provide the necessary encouragement for her success.
Aryna Sabalenka has experienced a year filled with both triumphs and challenges. Following a strong start to the season, which included a victory at the Australian Open, Sabalenka’s progress was interrupted by a shoulder injury that compelled her to withdraw from Wimbledon.
Her impressive performance at the Cincinnati Open, where she claimed the title by overcoming top competitors, including Świątek, indicates that she has reestablished herself as a formidable contender. Sabalenka’s powerful game, particularly her serve, renders her a formidable adversary on the rapid hard courts of the US Open. With a total of 15 career titles, including six at the WTA 1000 level, Sabalenka’s recent revival positions her as a significant threat for the championship.
Jessica Pegula has emerged as one of the most reliable athletes on the WTA Tour, having reached the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slam events and solidifying her status as a top-three player in singles. Her adaptability is also evident in doubles, where she has found considerable success.
Her capacity to excel under pressure, coupled with her history in major tournaments, makes her a formidable contender at the US Open. With six singles titles and seven doubles titles to her credit, Pegula is a player who warrants serious consideration.
Elena Rybakina completes the roster of leading contenders. The 2022 Wimbledon champion has continued to showcase her powerful baseline game and formidable serve. Rybakina has demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level on hard courts, having secured titles at Indian Wells and the Italian Open this year.
Her aggressive playing style is particularly advantageous in the fast-paced environment of the US Open, where her capacity to control points and dictate matches will be crucial. As she aims to secure another Grand Slam title, Rybakina will undoubtedly be a player to monitor closely in New York.