The final Grand Slam of the tennis season takes place at New York’s Flushing Meadows from 31st August to 13th September 2015 and the women’s tournament is sure to be dominated by a healthy contingent of home players, Serena Williams leading the way as ever. Read on as we take a look at who might challenge Serena and offer up our predictions, betting tips and the best live odds around!
Whilst the men’s game is decidedly lacking in top US players, the betting for the women’s US Open shows what fine fettle the game is in on that side of the Atlantic. There are four women in the top 15 of the outright winner market and whilst two of them might be from the same family there is no doubt that the women are leading the way when it comes to US tennis.
That said, few will be predicting outright success for Venus (66/1 with Sportingbet), Sloan Stephens (50/1 with Bet365) or Madison Keys (33/1 with Sportingbet). The final American is, of course, Serena and it is really hard to look past the living legend of tennis, even at odds as short as evens in places, or 5/4 with Bet365.
Serena has now won the last four Grand Slams and in addition she has won the past three US Opens! With 21 Grand Slam titles to her name, two “Serena Slams” and six US Opens, can anyone stop her completing a calendar Grand Slam? The odds makers clearly think not but given her sensational form this year we actually think odds the right side of evens are superb value and our main betting tip is, therefore, Serena to win at 5/4.
Since losing in the quarter finals in 2007 her record at the US Open is phenomenal, with a win in 2008, a semi-final loss in 2009 and a final defeat in 2011 (she missed the 2010 US Open) prior to her hat-trick of titles. It really is hard to see why her odds are so long and we really think you should take advantage before they get cut. She has shown some signs of injury and fatigue but that didn’t stop her at the French or Wimbledon and it’s hard to see her being derailed at her “home” Slam.
Of course, there are several top players that will be aiming to cause an upset and those who feel Serena is too short in the outright betting may well be tempted by third favourite Maria Sharapova. At odds of 8/1 with Sportingbet she could be worth an each way bet, whilst Victoria Azarenka, who is close to her best again, is priced at odds of 7/1, again with Sportingbet.
Azarenka was beaten by Williams in the finals of 2012 and 2013 and with two wins at the Australian Open it’s clear she has a fine hard court game. Her head to head with Serena makes her hard to back outright but each way, or even better, to make the final, she could well appeal, especially given a draw that keeps her away from the favourite.
We can’t really see anyone beating the six-time US Open champion but if you want an option at long odds then we would recommend an each way bet on Caroline Wozniacki at 25/1 with Sportingbet. Twice a finalist here she is, like Azarenka, close to finding her A-game and if she does she could spring a surprise.