Archive · 28 Aug 2026
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.
Naomi Osaka, a two-time U.S. Open champion, is seeking her first WTA title since 2021 while managing injury and fatigue concerns.
Elena Rybakina, the 2026 Australian Open champion, is pursuing her first U.S. Open quarter-final after a strong Canadian Open runner-up finish.
Linda Noskova will try to regain momentum after winning Wimbledon and then making early exits at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters.
Mirra Andreeva arrives after winning her maiden Grand Slam at the French Open and taking three titles from four WTA finals in 2026.
Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula and Marta Kostyuk bring recent major-final or semi-final experience and could make deep runs in New York.
- Who
- Naomi Osaka, Elena Rybakina, Linda Noskova, Amanda Anisimova, Mirra Andreeva, Jessica Pegula and Marta Kostyuk.
- What
- Seven contenders are identified as potential threats in the women’s U.S. Open singles draw.
- When
- As the 2026 U.S. Open approaches; the article discusses results from the 2026 season.
- Where
- The U.S. Open will be held in New York, at Flushing Meadows.
- Why
- Each player has Grand Slam experience, recent strong results, rising form or the potential to challenge the favourites.
- 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.