The final Grand Slam of the year gets underway on Monday (AEDT) as New York plays host to the 139th US Open.
After plenty of drama at the Cincinnati Masters, this year’s tournament looks wide open from a betting perspective – particularly in the women’s singles event where last year’s champion Naomi Osaka opens at double-digit odds in US Open betting.
In the men’s, Novak Djokovic’s unstoppable run looks tough to bet against, but never fear, there’s still plenty of value to be found in our complete 2019 US Open Preview below.
Men’s Singles Best Bet
Novak Djokovic – $2.20
Similar to Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic heads to Flushing Meadows with some spotty Masters form to his name having just lost to Daniil Medvedev in the Semi-Finals in Cincinnati.
Like all true champions though, Djokovic always saves his best tennis for Grand Slams, and it would be foolish to expect anything less from the three-time Open champion as he looks to claim his 17th Grand Slam title.
Despite what his recent loss might suggest, Djokovic is currently in great shape. Unlike that of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, the Serb is relatively injury-free as he looks to defend his Open crown with fitness on his side.
Djokovic ranks second in return rating on the ATP Tour, while the hard court in New York should once again suit him perfectly. Ten of Djokovic’s 16 Grand Slam titles have come on the hardcourt, speaking volumes of his athleticism and speed on the surface.
Men’s Singles Best Value
Roger Federer – $7.50
The five-time Open champion returns to New York after a disappointing straight-sets loss to Andrey Rublev in the Round of 16 in Cincinnati.
Equally disappointing was Federer’s early exit in last year’s US Open, bowing out in the fourth round to Aussie John Millman in four sets. While some are second-guessing Federer’s fitness as he looks to claim his 21st Grand Slam title, there’s no doubting the 38-year-old will have a point to prove this year.
It’s been over a decade since Federer’s dominant run of five consecutive US Open titles came to an end. After making the final at Wimbledon however, he does rank second in break points saved and seventh in first serve points won – leaving the Fed Express looking a little over the odds at this price.
Men’s Singles Best Roughie
Milos Raonic – $51.00
So far this year Raonic has failed to fire in Grand Slams, but he could be poised for a big run at Flushing Meadows in the coming week.
The Canadian made it as far as the fourth-round last year before losing in five thrilling sets to John Isner. Not only does Raonic hold the highest serve rating on Tour, he also leads the way in first serve points won.
Extreme heat is forecast for New York over the coming week, so you can expect plenty of upsets in the early rounds. Don’t sleep on Raonic making a deep run.
Women’s Singles Best Bet
Serena Williams – $6.00
This year’s women’s draw is wide open with a handful of the favourites putting forth disappointing performances at the Cincinnati Masters.
Last year’s champion Naomi Osaka has struggled for form ever since winning the Australian Open earlier in January. Minor injuries and a split with her coach have been at the root of Osaka’s problems, which makes it difficult to trust the world No. 1 in Grand Slam tournaments.
Likewise, Ash Barty is also looking a little short on confidence after an early Semi-Final exit to Svetlana Kuznetsova last week. Since her win in Birmingham following the French Open, Barty is yet to reach a quarter final.
That leaves Simona Halep, who lost in the first round of last year’s US Open, and defending champion Serena Williams, who is also this year’s favourite.
The odds suggest the bookmakers aren’t altogether confident in Williams’ play either, but she is well-rested after competing in only one tournament since her Wimbledon finals loss to Halep.
Williams’ health is a concern after withdrawing from the Cincinnati Masters, but considering Halep has only ever made it as far as the Semi-Final of the US Open, don’t be surprised if the 37-year-old produces something special.
Women’s Singles Best Value
Naomi Osaka – $11.00
Although Osaka’s Grand Slam form has fizzled since winning the Australian Open, the defending champ still looks way over the odds at the current price.
The 21-year-old is 26-10 in singles events this year, ranks fourth in aces, and also holds a convincing 3-2 record on the hard surface in Grand Slam tournaments.
After overcoming last year’s Serena Williams meltdown, Osaka certainly has plenty of resolve to handle the pressure and prove her critics wrong. If she can handle the heat and the court as she did in Melbourne, the World No. 1 will be tough to beat.
Women’s Singles Best Roughie
Petra Kvitova – $26.00
Kvitova’s 18-7 record on the hard court throughout her career speaks for itself. A win at the US Open could be enough to vault the Czech into No. 1 on the world rankings, and after making the final at the Australian Open this year, she should be well suited to the conditions.
While Kvitova has only ever made it as far as the quarterfinal at the US Open, she does hold two Wimbledon titles to her name. The 29-year-old is also 25-11 at the Open, and although she’s still recovering from a forearm injury, looks a competitive threat to cause a few upsets.