With the US Open women’s singles tournament set to begin in less than one week, forecasters on prediction markets have chosen Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus as the main frontrunner. The world’s No. 1 female tennis player is seeking to become only the third player in the televised era to three-peat as the US Open women’s singles champion (Chris Evert and Serena Williams).
There are numerous players who are “hot on the heels” of frontrunner Sabalenka. This is especially true following Sabalenka’s straight-set “shock” defeat at the hands of Sara Bejlek in the Cincinnati Open. American Coco Gauff was eventually victorious in Cincinnati, which has resulted in her price rising on the Kalshi “winner” market for who will win the US Open title.
At just 19 years of age, American Coco Gauff won her first and only grand slam title at the 2023 US Open. Following her impressive hard-court performance in Cincinnati over the weekend, we’re buying her “yes” contract on Kalshi at 15¢ apiece.
Although the high temperatures in New York City may not reach the 90s once the US Open begins, the elements will still be a major factor throughout the event. Gauff is still only 22 years old, which makes her the clear “youth” choice if you believe older players will be more negatively impacted by the hot and sticky weather conditions.
The US Open typically requires all players to “roll with the punches” in terms of waiting out the weather, which is expected to cause multiple match delays due to forecasts that include a heavy dose of afternoon precipitation. We think Gauff’s age advantage will make her less susceptible, both physically and mentally, to any sudden requirements to play two matches in quick succession.
This past Thursday, Elena Rybakina entered her quarterfinal match against Iga Swiatek on the verge of becoming the world’s No. 1 women’s singles player. All she needed to do was reach the Cincinnati Open final match for that to occur.
But Rybakina injured her left ankle during the first set of that contest. She retired a couple of minutes later once it became apparent that her injury couldn’t be overcome by simply taping it up. Rybakina is now trading at only 5¢ per contract on Kalshi to win the US Open, but even that price is way too high, in our opinion.
Rybakina has already withdrawn from her mixed doubles participation. We wouldn’t be surprised if she likewise decides to rest her ankle and drop out of the US Open women’s singles tournament. Her six-foot frame makes her especially prone to reinjury if she plays through the pain.
So far, Elena Rybakina has yet to appear on the practice courts at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. Our prediction is that the world’s No. 2 will ultimately decide to sit out given that she’s historically failed to advance past the fourth round at the US Open anyway. If she does opt to participate, look for her to lose prior to reaching the quarterfinals.
Loading …
