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U.S. Open 2015: Favorites, dark horses and who to watch – Metro US

U.S. Open 2015: Favorites, dark horses and who to watch

U.S. Open 2015: Favorites, dark horses and who to watch
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Men’s singles

Favorites:Novak Djokovic (No. 1 seed)

Djokovic, the 2011 US Open champ, is attempting to capturehis third Grand Slam title of 2015, having already won the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He could face Rafael Nadal in the quarters, last year’s surprise finalist Kei Nishikori in the semis and Federer in the final.

“I think I would still put Novak there at the top of the list [of favorites],” reigning US Open champ Marin Cilic said.

Roger Federer (No. 2 seed)

Federer hasn’t been to the final here since 2009,but enters with great confidence after beating Andy Murray and Djokovic back-to-back to win in Cincinnati. Asix-time US Open finalist between 2004-09, the Swiss has a 72-10 match record at the final Grand Slam championship of the year.

“A confident Roger Federer is fun to watch, and that’s what we have at the moment,” ESPN’s Darren Cahill said.

Andy Murray (No. 3 seed)

The 2012 Open champcomes into Flushing Meadowsas the US Open Series men’s champion and will attempt to set a record for the largest payout in tennis history– $4.3 million. He faces controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios in the first round.

Dark horses

Stan Wawrinka(No. 5 seed)

TheFrench Open champ has captured two majors since 2014, more than Federer and Nadal combined.

Rafael Nadal(No. 8 seed)

The Spaniard has won twice here (2010 and ’13), buthis physical style of play has taken a toll.

Marin Cilic(No. 9 seed)

Can he repeat last year’s incredible performance and win again?

Women’s singles

Favorite:Serena Williams (No. 1 seed)

History is on the linefor the three-time defending champ as sheseeks the first calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988. She is alsolooking to tie Graf with her 22nd career major title. “I love winning here, I love playing here and that’s all I want to do,” she said.

Dark horses:Simona Halep (No. 2 seed)

The Romanian is No. 2 in the world despite having never won a Grand Slam title. She has never been past the 4th round in Queens, but appears to have a clear path to the final.

Victoria Azarenka (No. 20 seed)

The 2012 and 2013 Open finalist has fallen in the rankings, but may be Serena’s biggest threat.

Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter @AdamZagoria for updates throughout the U.S. Open.