2016 US Open Women’s Betting Preview & Predictions

Last year, the US Open Women’s tournament produced as a surprise winner in Flavia Penetta, as big names like Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber crashed out late in the Tournament. And from the look of things, the 2016 edition of the tournament in Flushing Meadows will not be short of excitement, going by the drama we’ve witnessed from the first day of the prestigious event. One day into the final Grand Slam Tennis tournament of the year, the upsets are already trickling in, with Rio 2016 Olympics surprise Gold Medal winner Monica Puig topping the list of the biggest upsets from Monday, Aug. 31. Can the tennis betting favorites hold serve or will we have another shock winner from the sleepers?

Here’s a Look at the 2016 WTA US Open Betting Preview and Predictions

7️⃣2️⃣@VenusesWilliams set to make record-breaking 72nd Grand Slam appearance today at the @USOpen! #USOpen pic.twitter.com/P8nZTk3dfh

— WTA (@WTA) August 30, 2016

When: August 29-September 11, 2016 Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY Surface: Outdoor Hard Lines: See our Tennis Betting Odds

BEST FAVORITES

Serena Williams

Having won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon last season and looking to register a calendar-year Grand Slam, Serena suffered an upset in the semifinals of the 2015 US Open at the hands of Italian veteran Roberta Vinci. This year’s US Open will therefore be a chance for the queen of tennis to make things right. Having won the previous four consecutive US Open titles prior to last year’s upset and with a total of six US Open titles to her name, the World No. 1 definitely knows her way around the Flushing Meadows, making her a rightful odds-on favorite. That said, the 34-year- old American is reportedly not in full health, as she is still nursing a shoulder injury sustained when she won the Wimbledon in July. This injury clearly inhibited her performance in Rio 2016, where she was bundled out of the competition in the third round. Cautious optimism is thus recommended when betting on her to win it all in the 2016 WTA US Open.

Angelique Kerber

If there’s ever a person to trust for the US Open title if Williams doesn’t come through, it’s Kerber. The World No. 2 has been in sensational form this season, reaching the Wimbledon final and the gold-medal match in Rio 2016. She did lose to Williams and Monica Puig, respectively, in those two tournaments, but the German managed to win the 2016 Australian Open and boasts of a 47-14 record this season, including 4 victories and 1 defeat in her latest 5 WTA singles matches. With such a reputation, she will definitely be a trendy pick in this tourney.

BEST SLEEPERS

Garbine Muguruza

Since her French Open triumph in June, which was her first-ever major title, Muguruza has struggled with her form. Even so, this a player who comes with a lot of upsides, including a tenacious no-pressure attitude when facing the top guns of the game, as is proven by her finals victory in Roland Garros over Serena. Given the right circumstances and a bit of some luck on her side, the 22-year- old—who has a 28-13 record this year—could be a sweet sleeper pick for the title.

Simona Halep

Halep  has been an equally strong performer this season, boasting of a decent 36-13 record on the year. The World No. 5 has previously struggled in Grand Slam matches, but with three titles to her name this season, including the recent title win in Toronto at the Rogers Cup, and a strong show in Wimbledon that saw her reach the quarterfinals; the Romanian could easily shock her way into the 2016 US Open final, especially if Serena and Co. don’t live up to their big hype.

BEST LONGSHOTS

Agnieszka Radawanska

Radawanska did start the 2016 season in style with a title at the Shenzhen Gemdale Open and has performed quite serviceable since then. Being a rather small-name player brings her value somewhat down, but her ability to go deep in tournaments—as is affirmed by a pair of semi-final losses to Serena Williams this season—makes her a player worth of being looking at, especially if she can take care of her early opponents and avoid a draw against Serena before the Finals. By the way, Rawadanska is coming into the US Open on the back of a morale-boosting Connecticut Open title win, so expect her to be all fired up for a strong show.

Venus Williams

Since making a commendable appearance in the semifinals of Wimbledon, Venus has been playing quite well. In addition to that, the Williams sister made the last eight in 2015, underlining her potential to go deep in this tournament this year. Plus, with two US Open titles already to her name, Venus has all the credentials to be taken a serious longshot tourney pick.

My Prediction and Pick

With Serena all banged up, I am inclined to go with  Kerber as my top pick, given her consistency on the court this season and the excellent form she brings with her to the 2016 WTA US Open. Pick: Kerber