The 2018 tennis season is almost over. We have seen some incredible tennis over the last eight months, and I’m sure this will continue in the year-ending grand slam.
The US open is back, with Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams schedule in to play on day 1 where they will both start their journey as defending champions.
The Men
As expected, Nadal, Federer and Djokovic are the clear favourites in the men's draw. Nadal does have the easier route of the three but will have to face the likes of Juan Martin Del Potro, and Grigor Dimitrov in the latter stages of the draw, and let's not forget; he must face David Ferrer in the first round.
Should Djokovic and Federer play well enough to reach the quarter-finals, they will face each other. They will face tough opponents in the form of Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic in their way through the draw.
Some good news on the british front; Andy Murray is back. Having not featured since Wimbledon in 2017, he likely won’t be able to take out the in-form Del Potro, Fernando Verdasco or Stefanos Tsitsipas who sit in his side of the draw.
As well as the above mentioned, make sure you keep an eye on Frances Tiafoe, Kyle Edmund, Taylor Fritz and Jack Sock.
The Women
Something that couldn’t be predicted was the top section of the draw being so tightly packed with grand-slam winning talent. Simona Halep, Venus Williams and Serena Williams are up there with the likes of Camila Giorgi, Sloane Stephens, Garbine Muguruza and Ashleigh Barty.
Serena Williams will come into the US open ranked just 17th in the world - surprising a lot of people who assumed this would be much higher.
A bad draw for the Williams sisters, as should they both progress to the third round, they will face each other. This isn’t the only bad news. Only one of Halep, Stephens, Muguruza, Pliskova, Svitolina and the Williams’ sisters will actually make it to the final.
The bottom half looks good for the likes of Angelique Kerber, Caroline Wozniacki and Petra Kvitova.
It’s going to be a difficult one to call, as with Women’s tennis; it can be anyone’s tournament to win. I would put money of Serena Williams proving her critics wrong.
Who do you think is going to win the US Open?
To see the draw, and schedule for the US Open, click here.