Tennis’ final Grand Slam of the year is underway from Flushing Meadows in New York. Novak Djokovic lifted the men’s singles trophy last year, marking his second US Open triumph, whilst Italy’s Flavia Pennetta won her first major singles title in the women’s singles at last year’s tournament. Let’s have a look at what they can do this time around.
Men’s
All eyes will be on defending champion Djokovic following his disappointing performance at the Olympic Games. At odds of 5/4, he’s the favourite to win, but he’s had to brush off an injury concern following his first round match against Jerzy Janowicz. His main competition will come in the form of Great Britain’s Andy Murray. Seeded No. 2 in the competition, Murray has had a spectacular 2016 so far, winning Wimbledon for a second time and retaining his Olympic gold medal. He won the US Open in 2012, just a month after winning his first Olympic gold at London 2012 and he’ll be hoping that history repeats itself. If Djokovic has another exit, similar to Wimbledon and the Olympics, Murray will be in prime position to capitalise and is a good bet at 7/5.
As for the rest of the field, Milos Raonic reached the Wimbledon final earlier this year, losing out to Murray, but under the tutelage of John McEnroe, he’ll be aiming to go one better at the US Open. He’s available at 12/1. Two-time US Open winner Rafael Nadal has also dismissed concerns regarding his fitness and comes into the tournament with a gold medal in the doubles at the Olympics. He breezed through his first round match and is available at 20/1. Olympic silver medallist Juan Martin Del Potro returns to the US Open after being handed a wildcard. It’s been an injury blighted 7 years since the Argentine won at Flushing Meadows, but he’s returned to form and can be found at 16/1.
Women’s
Serena Williams returns to her home Grand Slam having been knocked out by unseeded Italian Roberta Vinci in last year’s tournament. She’s this year’s favourite however and is looking to win her seventh US Open. At 5/4, she’s a fairly safe bet, but as last year showed, anything can happen. Angelique Kerber is the second favourite in the women’s draw. Kerber’s best finish at the US Open was the semi-finals in 2011, but at 7/1, she seems most likely to challenge Williams for the women’s title.
