The US Open will mark the return of Grand Slam tennis when the competition gets underway on Monday and while the event will have a new feel to it, two familiar faces lead the tennis betting for the men’s and women’s singles titles.
Djokovic Arrives in Fine Form
You’ll never go far wrong when considering Novak Djokovic as a contender at any event and his form in 2020, albeit with the season majorly disrupted, has been perfect.
The world number one has had to contend with off-court dramas and a neck injury this year, however, he is unbeaten in all 23 of his matches so far.
The Serbian returned to competitive action at the Western & Southern Open last week and he went all the way, beating Milos Raonic in the final to clinch his 80th career title – equalling Rafael Nadal’s record of 35 Masters 1000 victories.
His hopes of winning a fourth US Open title have been boosted by the absence of Nadal and Roger Federer.
Andy Murray, who is the only man in the field to have beaten Djokovic at the US Open having got the better of him in the 2012 final, will be involved but the Scot doesn’t look ready to challenge as he continues to work his way back from long-term injury and surgery.
The main threat is set to come from the likes of Dominic Thiem (7/1 US Open outright) and last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev (6/1), while Raonic (22/1) shouldn’t be discounted after an impressive run at Flushing Meadows in last week’s event.
Djokovic hasn’t won the New York showpiece since 2018 but looks well placed to end his drought when the latest edition gets underway.
The 33-year-old is 5/18 to add an 18th Grand Slam title to his already impressive CV.
He will undoubtedly be happy with his first round draw after being handed a tie with Damir Dzumhur, however, Djokovic could be set for a tricky looking last-16 clash against big-serving John Isner.
Williams to Benefit From Withdrawals
Defending champion Bianca Andreescu won’t be involved in this year’s edition of the tournament at Flushing Meadows after failing to fully recover from a knee injury.
Simona Halep, Ashleigh Barty, Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic, Jelena Ostapenko, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Sam Stosur have also opted to skip the event, leaving the way clear for a certain home favourite.
Six-time champion Serena Williams is expected to prevail on home soil, although youngsters Sofia Kenin, Aryna Sabalenka, Madison Keys and Coco Gauff will look to cause an upset.
Her main challenger could be 2018 winner Naomi Osaka, but the world number 10’s involvement is still unclear after withdrawing from Saturday’s Western & Southern Open final due to a hamstring injury.
Williams hasn’t been in the best of form yet but a chance to secure record-equalling 24th Grand Slam is likely to provide her with a bit more motivation. The 38-year-old could be tested in her opening round match after being drawn against Kristie Ahn, who reached the last-16 in 2019.
Williams is 1/15 to win her first round tie with Ahn priced at 23/4 to earn a shock victory.
British Hopes Hanging on Konta
Johanna Konta, who reached the quarter-finals in 2019, looks the most likely of the British contingent to challenge for the title in the Big Apple.
The world number 15 takes on fellow Brit Heather Watson in the first round.
Watson has failed to beat Konta in three previous meetings and fell to a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) defeat when they last squared off in Nottingham two years ago.
As far as the British men go, Murray, 40/1 to win the competition, takes on exciting youngster Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round with the winner likely to take on world number 15 Felix Auger-Aliassime in round two.
Dan Evans takes on Thiago Seyboth Wild in his opening match and could be the best-placed British male to enjoy a run.
Kyle Edmund begins his campaign against Alexander Bublik and, should he beat the unpredictable Russian, will face Djokovic in round two.
Cameron Norrie has been handed a very tough draw against Diego Schwartzman, who has reached the quarter-finals in two of the last three years.