Serena Williams
Serena Williams had torn hamstring and it was assumed by her team that she will get fit on time. Things didn’t work well for her as she is forced to withdraw from the tournament. Six-time grand slam winner of the US Open, Serena Wiliams announced this news with a very heavy heart. She suffered this injury during the Wimbledon where she had to left the match mid-way. She has been chasing her 24th slam badly and because of the US Open, she skipped Tokyo Olympics, and Cincinnati Masters. She recovered and confirmed her participation but with just 5 days to the marquee event, she has confirmed her withdrawal. She had an injury-marred 2021 as she has hardly been seen in courts. The 39-year old is also battling weight issues, post her pregnancy.
Just like her, Venus too has followed her younger sister and she also has confirmed her withdrawal from the last slam of the year. In men’s many big names are missing and likewise in women too, the injuries have started taking their toll. Ash Barty is a favorite in women’s draw and Naomi Osaka is still having issues regarding her mental health. She is still not looking comfortable at her press conferences.
The Monday night will see some of the best actions as New York will be welcoming a crowd and it’s a sold-out as soon as the tickets were put on sale. Not many Covid protocols in place as the US has taken over Covid by and large. Nearly half the country is vaccinated and almost everything is open in New York now. There are many young players who have done well in the recent past. In women, upsets are a new normal and it would be interesting to see who lifts the last slam of the year.
Ash Barty is favorite but defending champion Naomi Osaka’s epitome of consistency can’t be ruled out. Ashleigh Barty who skipped the North American court swing last year, has made amends and played exceptionally well in built-up to US Open. She will be the clear-cut favorite. Thus far, she has had the best tour on North American soil and the grand slam trophy here will take her way ahead of her contemporaries. She is seeded as the number 1 in the women’s draw and Naomi Oska is in her opposite draw. A clash between both the champions is what the audience is waiting.
Among other players, Karolina Pliskova is in red hot form. She was runners-up in Montreal while semi-finalist at Cincinnati. Even if she doesn’t lift the trophy, she will have a long run is what the bookmakers are expecting. The Czech has the potential to beat anyone on her day. She has been the finalist at US Open 2016 where she suffered defeat at the hands of Angelique Kerber. One surprise can be Victoria Azarenka. The other names that can surprise at flushing meadows are Belinda Bencic, Shelby Rogers, and Jennifer Brady. Serena Williams‘s absence though will be dearly missed by the crowd.