Tournament Preview:
Western & Southern Open, Flushing Meadows, New York
The wait is finally over for tennis fans as both the ATP and WTA Tours get back underway in New York. Normally held in Cincinnati, the Western & Southern Open is one of the biggest events outside of the majors. In addition, the flagship tournament is part of the US Summer Swing of hard-court tournaments that culminates at the US Open.
The lack of competitive tennis could be an issue for some players arriving in New York whilst the absence of some of the biggest names in the game, on both the men’s and women’s side of the draw – could present a real opportunity for some of the players on the fringes to pick up a big tournament win. And with over $10 million dollars across both prize pots, it promises to be a fascinating week of tennis at the Western and Southern Open.
WTA Western & Southern Open Tournament Preview
Outright Winner Odds
Serena Williams – 5.00 – Two-time Western & Southern Open winner Serena Williams once again starts as hot favourite as she looks to build momentum towards the US Open. She looked to be finding her feet back on the WTA Tour at the Top Seed Open last week and few would bet against her winning yet another tournament this week.
Naomi Osaka – 10.00 – 2018 US Open champion Naomi Osaka continues to perform consistently on the WTA Tour as she heads up the next generation of player. Her form since her Australian Open win in 2019 has been inconsistent but she plays her best tennis on hard courts and could go well this week in New York.
Karolina Pliskova – 10.00 – Karolina Pliskova has become a beacon of consistency on the WTA Tour in recent seasons – without perhaps picking up as many major trophies as she should. The world number 3 last won the Western & Southern Open in 2016 and has generally played her best tennis at Flushing Meadows.
Petra Kvitova – 10.00 – Fellow Czech superstar Petra Kvtiova will be looking to hit the ground running on the WTA Tour in her first event back in action. Having dropped out of the world’s top 10, she will be keen to find form once more and she looks to have a good draw here at Flushing Meadows.
Madison Keys – 18.00 – Defending Cincinnati champion Madison Keys is always in contention at the big events and loves playing at the home of American tennis at Flushing Meadows. Her big hitting game style is well suited to the nippy conditions in New York and she could take some stopping here.
Top Pick – Serena Williams – 5.00
Outside Pick – Madison Keys – 18.00
ATP Western & Southern Open Tournament Preview
Outright Winner Odds
Novak Djokovic – 0.90 – Current world number one Novak Djokovic will be looking to find some of his pre-lockdown form. The Serb won well at the Australian Open at the start of the year and is the biggest name in the draw, despite some well-documented COVID 19 faux pas. Djokovic looks to be the hot favourite in suitable conditions in New York.
Dominic Thiem – 5.00 – Austrian Dominic Thiem reached the Australian Open final earlier this year and looks to be banging on the door the top 3 above him in the world rankings. His hard-court game has improved dramatically over the past 12 months and he is one to watch this week.
Daniil Medvedev – 6.50 – Defending champion Daniil Medvedev has struggled for form in 2020 but he should arrive in New York fresh and with plenty of rankings points to defend. His run to the US Open Final at the same venue last year should also be fresh in the memory for the Russian too.
Stefanos Tsitsipas – 8.00 – ATP World Tour Finals Champion Stefanos Tsitsipas heads up the next generation of players on the tour and he could be one to watch in a congested draw here. The Greek youngster has a habit of performing on the big stages and could well go deep in New York this week.
Alexander Zverev – 15.25 – German starlet Alexander Zverev is continually in the mix at big events and the absence of the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer could help him hugely this week. Having never got passed the second round in Cincinnati, he could also welcome the change of scenery in 2020.
Karen Khachanov – 124.00 – World number 15 Karen Khachanov is capable of beating anybody on his day and his odds look way overpriced in this relatively open field in New York. With a huge serve and forehand combination, he could overpower much of the field as he chases the second Masters title victory of his career.
Top Pick – Novak Djokovic – 0.90
Outside Pick – Karen Khachanov – 124.00
