contentThe city of New York is set to host the final Grand Slam of the 2017 calendar year in about a week.
However, there are concerns that it may be lacklustre as many top stars are sidelined.
The defending champ Stan Wawrinka would not be available after a knee injury ruled him out. Novak Djokovic, whose career has seen a downturn this term, is unavailable following an elbow injury that ruled him out for the year. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have reported fitness concerns as well.
Federer went years without a title but he has clinched two majors this year, leaving the community in shock. He rediscovered himself at age 36 to re-establish his hold of the men’s category. He could as well lift his third Grand Slam despite the competition and fitness issues. Despite been knocked out by Alexander Zverev recently, Federer is 5/4 to lift the US Open.
Nadal also revitalized his career this season, recently reaching the peak of the Emirates ATP rankings. He would be the top seed at Flushing Meadows but he remains 13/5 to win the event on hard court. Though he won the 2013 event, the US Open has not been his forte.
With Federer shaking off his injury, Andy Murray returning from injury as well, Nadal could make a strong comeback as he is better fitness-wise. There are others like Zverev and GrigorDimitrov but the event is looked at as one that could be lacklustre.
At the women’s side, GarbineMuguruza remains the favourite at 6/1 and Karolina Pliskova at 7/1. Muguruza is a more complete player now and could do her second Grand Slam title now.
Pliskova wants to win her first Grand Slam and become top ranked so there would be an interesting fight. Serene Williams would miss but her sister Venus, JohanneKonta, SimonaHalep and Angelique Kerber should add to the expectedintense competition.