The US Open kicked off yesterday and the excitement is hotting up in New York and across the globe. In this article, we’ll look at the key contenders, how they’ve played so far in the tournament along with the betting odds for each competitor.
Dating back to 1881, the US Open is the last major of the year providing the players with their last opportunity to win big in 2019.
With a prize pool of $57 million, the US Open is one you can’t miss.
The current champions Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka both return this year to defend their titles.
Roger Federer and Serena Williams are the two most successful players at this tournament taking part in 2019. Federer has won a total of 5 titles whereas Williams has won 6.
Men’s singles tournament
Here’s a look at some of the key contenders in the men’s singles tournament.
Novak Djokovic – 11/10
At odds of 11/10, Novak Djokovic is the favourite to win the 2019 US Open. The defending champion heads into the tournament in great form after winning both the Australian Open and Wimbledon earlier this year.
Djokovic is likely to come up against Roger Federer in the latter stages of the tournament, so it will be great to see these two battle it out after their brilliant final at Wimbledon.
In the opening round, Djokovic cruised past Roberto Carballes Baena setting up a second-round tie with Juan Ignacio Londero.
Arguably in the form of his life, you’re a brave man to bet against Djokovic.
Rafael Nadal – 3/1
Priced at 3/1, Nadal is the second favourite to win the tournament. Despite not winning a major since the French Open in 2018, Nadal is always in contention when it matters.
After losing out to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon semi-finals, Nadal will be looking to fight back strongly.
With Djokovic and Federer in the other half of the draw, Nadal certainly has the easier run to the final should he make it that far. Whether this will help him out or not, we’ll wait to see.
Nadal has an opening-round tie against the Australian John Millman, who knocked out Roger Federer in the fourth round in 2018.
At odds of 3/1, Nadal could certainly be worth a bet.
Roger Federer – 7/1
The current player with the most US Open wins, Roger Federer is another favourite to lift the trophy early next month.
After a great fight with Djokovic at Wimbledon earlier this year, Federer is certainly holding on to some great form despite being older than his main competitors in Djokovic and Nadal.
Federer was knocked out surprisingly early in the tournament last year, losing to John Millman in the fourth round. He’ll be looking to put that loss behind him and fight back from that result.
After losing the first set, Federer proved too good for his first-round opponent Sumit Nagal and sets up a second-round tie with Damir Dzumhur.
Priced at a long 7/1, a winning bet on Federer could return a great profit.
Women’s singles tournament
Let’s have a look at the women’s side of the tournament.
Serena Williams – 4/1
The 2018 finalist, Serena Williams will be looking to go one step further this year.
Believe it or not, the US Open is Williams’ third-best grand slam of the year having only won 6 titles… However, one more win would equal the number of titles she’s lifted at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
After cruising through her first match, beating Maria Sharapova in straight sets, Williams will be looking to kick on from there. She faces the youngster Catherine McNally in the second round.
Simona Halep – 8/1
Ranked 4th in the world, Halep comes into the US Open after winning Wimbledon earlier this year. In that game, she cruised past Serena Williams proving she’s a player for the big occasions.
The US Open hasn’t been the easiest of hunting grounds for Halep, only making one semi-final since 2009. After her success at Wimbledon, perhaps that will change this year.
With a first-round tie against Nicole Gibbs later today, you’d certainly expect Halep to progress to the second round and the latter stages of the tournament.
At odds of 8/1, I think Halep could be a great bet.
Ashleigh Barty – 9/1
The Australian Ashleigh Barty heads into the US Open in great form. She’s currently ranked 2nd in the world behind the defending champion Naomi Osaka.
Having won the US Open double’s title in 2018, she knows what it takes to win in New York. Can she turn that into the single’s title in 2019?
On the back of a win at the French Open, Barty will be looking for another strong performance at the US Open.
After a first set scare against Zarina Diyas, Barty finished the game off in style. She faces Lauren Davis in the second round.
At odds of 9/1, a winning bet on Barty would return a nice profit.