Serena Williams and Simona Halep are the favorites to win the women’s singles bracket of the 2019 US Open, but we’ve all seen those two mammoths of tennis go down earlier than expected in recent Grand Slam events, and many consider this year to represent a true changing of the guard. Enter the sleepers this writer has listed below, one of whom could be the one to win it all at Flushing Meadows this year. Be sure to hedge your bets accordingly.
Azarenka only appeared in a single US Open over the last three years, and that was a year ago when she didn’t even moved past the third round. That said, she’s managed to go deep in this tournament years ago. In 2013 and 2013, Azarenka booked a trip to the Finals and finished runner-up in both occasions. In 2014 and 2015, Azarenka made it to the quarterfinals. Sure, Azarenka is no longer at her peak, but if you’re looking for a sleeper. Azarenka fits the bill, considering her past levels of success at the US Open.
Bencic is just 22 years old, which means there’s still plenty of potential for her to achieve numerous successes in tennis. Could the 2019 US Open be her breakout Grand Slam tournament? Last year, Bencic was ousted in the first round of the 2018 US Open, but she’s made it to the third round in each of the succeeding three Grand Slam events since. Also, Bencic won the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (hard court) back in February in which she defeated some big names in the likes of Simona Halep, Elina Svitolina, and Petra Kvitova.
It’s not that long ago when Wozniacki copped a Grand Slam victory on the hard court, when she topped the 2018 Australian Open. But Wozniacki is not having much success since that win in the Land Down Under, as she even remains without a title this year. But that could also mean that she’s finally due to have one sooner than later. Wozniacki is 36-12 all-time at the US Open and has made the semifinals five times since 2009.
Honorable High-Value Mention: Venus Williams (+7000)
