We are on the eve of the prestigious US Open and the women’s field is more wide open than ever. Many women come into this tournament with a reasonable expectation that they could be the one lifting the trophy at the end of the fortnight.
Before heading to our top-rated sportsbooks, let’s take a look at this tournament’s top contenders and how it will all shake out at this year’s US Open.
The US Open
August 26, 2024 – September 8, 2024
Iga Swiatek
To Win the US Open: (+300)
Iga Swiatek is still the best player in the world and the rightful favorite in my eyes. However, at odds of three to one, it shows that her grasp on the top spot is not as firm on hard courts as it is on clay.
Last season, Iga Swiatek was ousted from the US Open by Jelena Ostepenko in the fourth round. She was knocked out in the third round in this year’s Australian Open, which also played on hard courts. However, the conditions in Australia are quite different from the conditions she will experience in New York. Swiatek won the Doha tournament on hard courts this season as well as winning Indian Wells. Indian Wells is indicative and predictive for this tournament because it is also an ultra-slow surface like the courts at Flushing Meadows. Success at Indian Wells can usually portend good success at the US Open.
After a dominating clay swing in which she won the French Open, Iga Swiatek fell short at Wimbledon and then failed to meet expectations when she only won a bronze medal in the Olympics. Now she will be back on the hard courts attempting to finish her season right.
Iga Swiatek is the rightful favorite but on hard courts she is not the shoo in, “must place” bet like she is on clay. Let’s see how the draw turns out for her before we place a wager on the talented Polish player.
Aryna Sabalenka
To Win the US Open: +300
Aryna Sabalenka being even with Iga Swiatek in the WTA odds to win the US Open makes plenty of sense. Sabalenka won the Australian Open earlier this year and her game is tailor-made for hard courts. Sabalenka is a powerful player who can hit winners even on the slower hard courts at Flushing Meadows.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have a budding rivalry and it would not be surprising to see these two players face each other in the finals. Sabalenka’s powerful game is the style of play that gives Swiatek the most trouble. Her ability to overpower Swiatek has been shown in the past.
After winning the Australian Open this year, Sabalenka struggled during the sunshine double of Indian Wells and Miami, which I like to use as a predictor of future success for the US Open tournament.
Sabalenka has gotten back on the hard courts playing in Washington and Toronto. While her results have not been exactly what she desired, these tune-up tournaments are what she needs to get ready for the US Open. I think her powerful game will play well at Flushing Meadows and at this price we are getting a great value on Aryna Sabalenka to win her second Grand Slam of the year and be the US Open champion.
Coco Gauff
To Win the US Open: +850
Coco Gauff won her first Grand Slam of her career when she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s US Open final. Her success here last year will definitely give her confidence going into this tournament. She fell to Sabalenka in the finals of this year’s Australian Open. Gauff had mediocre showings in Indian Wells and Miami. Gauff did not have the best European swing this year and is not coming into this tournament in her best form.
Coco Gauff is a talented player but I think it will be hard for her to repeat as champion. I’m sure she will have a respectable showing but I think it will be hard for her to get past the top players in the current form that she is in. Maybe if the odds change or she gets a favorable draw we will jump in, but for now, we will wait to place a wager on Coco Gauff.
Naomi Osaka
To Win the US Open: +1000
Naomi Osaka won the US Open in 2018 and 2020, and if she is in top form, she can contend to be the best player in the world. However, Osaka has had significant time off and has not yet found the form that she reached when she was lifting US Open trophies.
Naomi Osaka can be a threat to anybody at any time, however, I don’t think that she has the form right now to put together the seven victories that she would need to take the title.
Also, because of her high-profile name, the WTA odds are not as lucrative as they should be for a player in her form entering this tournament. Although it would not be shocking to see Osaka win the tournament I don’t think the odds reflect her true chances. Therefore, for now, we will avoid placing a wager on Naomi Osaka.
Elena Rybakina
To Win the US Open: +700
Elena Rybakina is one of the best tennis players in the world. Unfortunately, she is dealing with health issues this season and may be afflicted with a bout of long-term COVID-19.
Rybakina had to withdraw from the Olympics due to the severity of her symptoms. Although her game is on par with the top women in the world, as of right now, her health is too much of a question mark to place this wager.
I really hope that Elena Rybakina finds her health because she would be another great addition to the top players on the tour when she’s in contending form. Rybakina has a beautiful game full of power and her stoic demeanor on court is an enjoyable watch and also in contrast to some of the other women’s players who are very emotional. The difference in personalities is what makes the women’s game great and a healthy Rybakina would be better for the WTA tour. Unfortunately, right now we cannot trust her health and therefore we will have to forgo placing a wager on Elena Rybakina.
2024 US Open Best Bet
- Tennis Pick: Aryna Sabalenka to win the US Open (+300) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
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