Defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are back at the US Open -- but questions surround both of them. Alcaraz is coming off an injury that prevented him from playing in the past two majors, and Sabalenka has had a difficult hard-court stretch since losing in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
Will American players such as Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula or Ben Shelton take the title in front of the home crowd? Can Novak Djokovic seize the opportunity for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam?
We polled our experts for their picks and best betting tips.
Who will win the women's title?
CoCo Vandeweghe: Gauff. I think she will have a tough test in the beginning. Then I see her meeting Naomi Osaka in the semis and Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Gauff had a similar run to win the title here in 2023 and it all started with her winning Cincinnati, which she did again this year, beating Jessica Pegula. Gauff for the title.