Serena Williams heads into the US Open at Flushing Meadows as the top contender despite an early exit from the Olympic Games in Rio.
The Wimbledon 2016 winner is chasing a record seventh title in New York and is still not at 100 per cent following a shoulder injury that plagued her in Brazil, opening the door for other contenders.
Germany’s Angelique Kerber is just one of the players with a chance to seize the number one ranking if Williams falters.
Grand Slam singles titles: 22
US Open best: Won 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012-14
The American is poised to equal Steffi Graf’s record of 186 straight weeks as world No1. And she can go one better than the German by winning a seventh US Open and take her Grand Slam haul to a record 23. Serena enters the tournament after an early defeat at the Olympics where she had a right shoulder problem ANGELIQUE KERBER (GER) WTA ranking: 2Grand Slam singles titles: 1
US Open best: Semi-final in 2011
Kerber is the one to watch, having defeated Serena to claim her maiden major at the Australian Open this year and finishing runner-up at Wimbledon. Would have been world No1 but for her final defeat in Cincinnati. Kerber also missed out on Olympic gold, losing to Monica Puig in the final, and will have her sights on the trophy in New York. GARBINE MUGURUZA (ESP) WTA ranking: 3Grand Slam singles titles: 1
US Open best: Second round in 2015
The big hitting Spaniard won her maiden grand slam at the French Open but has struggled to maintain her form since. Muguruza lost in the second round at Wimbledon and third round at the Olympics. However, she made it to the semifinals in Cincinnati and her opponents should be prepared for a big challenge.Grand Slam singles titles: None
US Open best: Fourth round in 2015
The 21-year-old is beginning to showcase her potential. Keys reached the Olympics semi-final and then lost a three-set bronze medal match to Petra Kvitova. Has barely recovered from a neck injury but should be up for it. KAROLINA PLISKOVA (CZE) WTA ranking: 11Grand Slam singles titles: None
US Open best: Third round in 2014
The Czech star crushed Garbine Muguruza in the Cincinnati semis, before brushing aside Angelique Kerber in the final with her powerpacked game. Her dominance over the two players should serve as a big warning to others. MONICA PUIG (PUR) WTA ranking: 34Grand Slam singles titles: None
US Open best: Second round in 2014
The 22-year-old created history by winning Puerto Rico’s first Olympic gold medal. She defeated three major champions – Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova and Angelique Kerber – along the way. Won’t be short on confidence.
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