Who Are the 2010 US Open Contenders?

On the Baseline Tennis News
8.26.10

With a Serena-less Slam, this year’s US Open is proving to be the most wide-open Grand Slam in years. Who do you think has a shot at winning the title? Are there any dark horses or up-and-comers who can steal the spotlight?

OTB has come up with a list of the top 8 US Open contenders.

Caroline Wozniacki: A 2009 US Open finalist. This is her first time being the No. 1 seed at the US Open. She’s injury-free and playing well enough to win her maiden Grand Slam.

Kim Clijsters: Defending US Open champion, and the best hard court player on the WTA Tour. A thigh and hip injury could hold her back from the title.

Venus Williams: She hasn’t played since Wimbledon, but could be a huge threat. And with Serena out, her chances to go deep at the US Open have significantly increased.

Vera Zvonareva: She’s had moments of brilliance, resulting in increased confidence, and has become much better at managing her emotions. This could be her chance to win her maiden Grand Slam.

Na Li: China’s No. 1 player has had a great season, reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, and making it to the semis in Copenhagen. She hasn’t had a great summer hard court season, but she has done well on the big stages.

Maria Sharapova: Maria has shown signs of the “old” Maria in recent months, reaching the finals in Stanford and Cincinnati. She is injury free and ready to reclaim her top-10 status. Can she win another US Open title?

Jelena Jankovic: She may be a top five player, but JJ has been consistently inconsistent with her game. Can this veteran win seven matches over two weeks to win her first Grand Slam title?

Victoria Azarenka: She’s had a solid hard court season, winning the title in Stanford, and reaching the semis in Montreal. Can she break through at a Major?