5 days ago

Seven Women’s Contenders to Watch at the U.S. Open

The U.S. Open is a major tennis tournament in New York.

Several women could challenge the biggest favourites.

Naomi Osaka has won the tournament twice but has recently dealt with injuries and tiredness.

Elena Rybakina has won two Grand Slam titles but has not yet reached the U.S. Open quarter-finals.

Linda Noskova won Wimbledon but has struggled in her next two tournaments.

Mirra Andreeva is feeling confident after winning her first Grand Slam at the French Open.

Amanda Anisimova reached last year’s U.S. Open final and wants another chance to win.

Jessica Pegula and Marta Kostyuk have also recently produced strong results at major tournaments.

Key facts

Naomi Osaka: Two-time U.S. Open champion; reached last year’s semi-finals and withdrew from the 2026 Cincinnati Open because of fatigue.
Elena Rybakina: Won the 2026 Australian Open and reached the Canadian Open final; she has not reached a U.S. Open quarter-final.
Linda Noskova: Won Wimbledon this year and reached a career-high world ranking of sixth.
Amanda Anisimova: Lost last year’s U.S. Open final to Aryna Sabalenka and reached the 2026 Australian Open quarter-finals.
Mirra Andreeva: Won her maiden Grand Slam at the 2026 French Open and three of four WTA finals this year.
Jessica Pegula: Reached the 2024 U.S. Open final and the finals of the 2026 Washington, D.C. Open and Cincinnati Open.
Marta Kostyuk: Reached the 2026 French Open and Wimbledon semi-finals and won her first WTA 1000 title in Madrid.

rediff.com · 5 days ago