Quantcast
Breaking down the US Open favorites, dark horses – Metro US

Breaking down the US Open favorites, dark horses

Milos Raonic Milos Raonic is a rising star to watch in Flushing.
Credit: Getty Images

Men’s singles

Favorites …

»Novak Djokovic (No. 1 seed)

The reigning Wimbledon champ has appeared in four straight finals here, winning it all in 2011. He may need to beat 2012 Open winner Andy Murray in the quarterfinals and Australian Open champ Stan Wawrinka in the semis before potentially facing Roger Federer in the final.

»Roger Federer (No. 2 seed)

The five-time U.S. Open champ has won 18 of his last 20 matches and is brimming with confidence. With Rafael Nadal absent, Federer also has a favorable draw to reach yet another final.

»Andy Murray (No. 8 seed)

The 2012 Open champ has fallen to No. 9 in the world and may have to face Djokovic in the quarterfinals.

Dark horses …

»Milos Raonic (No. 5 seed)

The huge-serving Canadian reached the semis at Wimbledon and appears poised for a breakthrough.

»Tomas Berdych (No. 6 seed)

The big-hitting Czech reached the semis here in 2012 and is always a threat.

»Grigor Dimitrov (No. 7 seed)

Nicknamed “Baby Fed,” the Bulgarian could face the real Federer in the quarters.

Simona Halep Simona Halep has risen to No. 2 in the world with two titles wins this year.
Credit: Getty Images

Women’s singles

Favorites …

»Serena Williams (No. 1 seed)

The two-time defending U.S. Open champ is seeking her first major title of the year. An 18th grand slam crown would tie her with legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

»Maria Sharapova (No. 5 seed)

The 2006 U.S. Open champ and reigning French Open winner, Sharapova could face Serena in the women’s final. Williams has won 15 straight against Sharapova.

Dark horses …

»Simona Halep (No. 2 seed)

The Romanian is No. 2 in the world after reaching the semis at Wimbledon but has never been past the 4th round in Queens.

»Victoria Azarenka (No. 16 seed)

The 2012 and 2013 Open finalist has fallen in the rankings while battling injuries.

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