US Open 2014: Players To Watch

THE US Open begins tomorrow night (AEST). Here are some players to watch heading into tennis’ final Grand Slam event of the season: MEN-Novak Djokovic Best U.S. Open result: champion, 2011 The No. 1 player in the world is the favourite to win. He already has made the past two Grand Slam finals of 2014, and has been in the U.S. Open final each of the past five years, but has just one title. Djokovic won’t have to worry about facing Rafael Nadal, the man who has beaten him in four Slam finals, including twice in Flushing. Over the past four years, no ones been more consistent than Djokovic, who has made 12 of the past 16 Slam finals (with a 6-6 record). Andy Murray- Best U.S. Open result: champion, 2012 Murray doesn’t look like the player who won Wimbledon last year and the Open title in 2012, although he has made the quarterfinals in each of the first three majors this year. He hasn’t won a title of any kind in 2014 — the last time he was shut-out was 2007. He split with his coach and tennis legend Ivan Lendl in March, under whom Murray won two Grand Slams. Roger Federer-Best U.S. Open result: champion, 2004-08 His last major title came at Wimbledon in 2012, but the Swiss Maestro could be back. He made the Wimbledon final in July, losing to Djokovic in five sets, and the five-time champ has a favourable draw. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he meets Djokovic in the final. Federer comes in strong, having made the Rogers Cup final and winning the Cincinnati Masters earlier this month. David Ferrer- Probably would have a few Slams already if not for the big four. Has made the quarters in 10 of the past 11 Slams and is a two-time U.S. Open semi-finalist WOMEN TO WATCH Serena Williams-Best U.S. Open result: champion, 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012-13 Williams comes in having won back-to-back U.S. Opens, but hasn’t done much in the majors this year — making the fourth round in Australia, the second round at the French Open and the third round at Wimbledon. She has won five titles, and two recent ones in August — the Bank of the West Classic and the Cincinnati Masters. After a virus at Wimbledon which forced her to withdraw from her doubles match in July, Williams missed some time but has come back strong. Eugenie Bouchard-Best U.S. Open result: second round, 2013 Bouchard is having a breakout year. She already has made the semi-finals in all three Slams — including the Wimbledon final, where she was overwhelmed in straight sets by Petra Kvitova. Bouchard is aiming to become the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam, and if seeds hold, would face Kvitova in the quarters and Serena in the semis. Bouchard is known for her aggressiveness on the court, forcing her opponents to react quick. Maria Sharapova-Best U.S. Open result: champion, 2006 Sharapova missed the Open last year because of a shoulder injury but has one title in Flushing (2006) and made the semi-finals in 2012. Typically, this is her worst of the majors, but she is always one of the non-American crowd favourites. She has three calendar titles in 2014 including the French Open, and wouldn’t face Williams until the final. Sloane Stephens-Best U.S. Open result: fourth round, 2013 One of the big stories of last year’s Open was Stephens, who lost in the fourth round to Williams. If 2013 was Stephens’ breakout year, she has regressed in 2014. She started off making the fourth round in the first two Slams but lost in the first round in Wimbledon and hasn’t been consistent. Still, Stephens is one of the top U.S. women not named Serena. Victoria Azarenka-Foot and knee injuries have hampered her performance this year, causing her to plummet in the rankings, but she has made the Open final the past two years and always is a threat. Caroline Wozniacki-The former No. 1 player and Rory McIlroy’s ex-fiance hasn’t been relevant on the court in a few years but did win a tournament in July. But she isn’t the same player who made three great runs in Flushing from 2009-11. This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was republished here with permission. Originally published as Players to watch at US Open