US Open 2016 Picks & Predictions
Tennis Betting Tips
By Angelo Montilla
Novak Djokovic has been the most dominant men’s tennis player over the past couple years, but a pair of stunning defeats — including an early exit at the Rio Olympic Games — has left doubt for the world No. 1 heading into the upcoming U.S. Open championships.
The 29-year-old Serb — the defending champion at Flushing Meadows — is looking to rebound after dropping his opening-round match to Juan Martin del Potro at the Summer Games.
“No doubt it is one of the toughest losses in my life and in my career,” Djokovic told tennis-x.com in a recent interview. “It’s not easy to handle especially now just after the match, the wounds are still fresh. But you gotta deal with it. It’s not the first time I am losing a match but Olympic Games is completely different.”
Djokovic will begin his quest to repeat as U.S. Open champion when the tournament kicks off Aug. 29.
Here’s a look at the top contenders — both on the men’s and women’s side — heading into the U.S. Open.
MEN
1. Novak Djokovic (Even)
The two-time U.S. Open champ is returning to the tennis’ final grand slam tournament in search of a third title at Flushing Meadows. It will be a tough task this time around for the top-seeded Serb, who will have to battle through a wrist injury in order to win it all again. If Djokovic can somehow get past the injury, he is undoubtedly a top contender to repeat as champion.
2. Andy Murray (+180)
Perhaps Djokovic’s biggest threat at the U.S. Open is Andy Murray, who is playing the best tennis of his career. Murray has reached the final in all three previous Grand Slams this year, winning the Wimbledon title last month. The Scotsman is also coming off a gold-medal performance at the Olympic Games in Rio. Should Djokovic falter in this tournament, look for Andy Murray to win his second slam of 2016.
Pick: Andy Murray To Win The US Open (+180)
3. Milos Raonic (+1200)
Canadian power-server Milos Raonic has been knocking on the door to win his first career Grand Slam. With Djokovic battling through a wrist injury and Andy Murray possibly feeling post-Olympics fatigue, this may finally be Raonic’s chance to capture his first major trophy on the ATP Tour. The 25-year-old reached the Wimbledon final this year before losing in straight sets to Murray in the final.
Sleeper Picks:
Rafael Nadal (+2000)
Who would have thought that we’d mention a 14-time Grand Slam winner as a dark horse? Rafael Nadal has fell on hard times over the past couple years where he's battled many injuries that have slowed the Spaniard down. As the fourth seed at Flushing Meadows, Nadal seems healthy enough to make a serious run for a 15th Grand Slam.
WOMEN
1. Serena Williams (+120)
Following an early exit at the Olympic Games, Serena Williams — who’s been battling a shoulder injury — returns to Flushing Meadows seeking a sixth U.S. Open crown. Williams enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed, as expected. The American is also looking to rebound after being ousted in the semifinals of the 2015 tournament by Italian Roberta Vinci. Williams excels at this tournament and should be considered the favorite to claim a sixth U.S. Open victory.
Pick: Serena Williams To Win US Open (+120)
2. Angelique Kerber (+800)
German contender Angelique Kerber has been Serena Williams’ biggest threat on the WTA Tour all season long and has even come close to taking over the world No. 1 ranking away from the 22-time Grand Slam champion. With a shoulder injury slowing down Williams, this may be the perfect opportunity for Kerber to dethrone the world’s top-ranked player.
3. Garbine Muguruza (+800)
The 2016 French Open champion has shown signs potential of capturing another Grand Slam. The 22-year-old Spaniard is a clay-court specialist but has excelled on the hard surface, reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open twice in the last three years. Watch for Muguruza to make a serious run at Flushing Meadows and even push the top contenders for a chance at the championship.
Sleeper:
Eugenie Bouchard (+4000)
The Canadian has struggled on the WTA Tour this year, but Eugenie Bouchard’s success at Flushing Meadows make her a darkhorse in the tournament. Bouchard has reached the fourth round at the U.S. Open twice in the past three years. History shows Bouchard prefers playing on hard court surfaces as she’s reached the semifinal and quarterfinal at the Australian Open in 2014. Keep a close watch on Bouchard early on before placing your bets.
Category : Tennis Betting Picks
