Of all the headlines and stories coming into the US Open, it's no secret that Serena Williams' farewell from the sport is the biggest talking point. The 23-time major champion has transcended the sport, paving the way for future players to succeed with all she's done for the sport.
While it's not out of the question to rule out a fairy-tale ending for one of the all-time greats, it's more likely we'll find a surprise champion elsewhere.
With the top five seeded women struggling coming into the tournament, it really is as open as it gets.
The Main Contenders
The Romanian lifted the title at the National Bank Open before playing just one match at the Western and Southern Open before withdrawing to opt for more rest. Her major results have not been up to par to where she's wanted them to be, Halep is slowly but surely working her way into contention for everything she competes in once again.
Now back into the top-10 and working with Patrick Mouratoglou, Halep should feel a charge to win her first-ever hard court major.
The world number one has come back down to earth after a historic win streak which saw her capture numerous titles and her second French Open in the process. Whether it be down to the adaptation of other players, the switch back to hard courts or even just a blip, one has to wonder how she'll bounce back.
Even with her lack of match wins over the past couple of months, it's hard to look past Swiatek as something else other than a contender.
Sweet Caroline! It has been a storming last couple of months for the Frenchwoman who's worked her way back into the top-20. Three titles across three different surfaces with the Cincinnati title to bookend a magical last few months.
With how she's played in the last few months along with the variety in her game, it's very possible to see her lift the title.
Other Contenders: Daria Kasatkina, Ons Jabeur, Naomi Osaka, Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, Ludmilla Samsonova
Early Exits
Given the nature of the draw and how many "contenders" there are, we're going to skip the dark horses and go straight to potential early exits from the tournament.
The defending champion has had a tough time adjusting to regular tour life. The Brit has struggled to put multiple match wins together most of the season and now comes into the US Open defending 2000 points and with a horrid draw against Alize Cornet.
Cornet will offer a lot of variety against the Brit and has a very frustrating game to play against. Don't be surprised to see Raducanu go out in round one.
After a 2021 season which saw her lift the Indian Wells title, 2022 has been anything but a major success for Badosa. Early exits in majors and a lack of form all year has made it tough for the world number four. She should get by her opening round but with dangerous floater Petra Martic likely awaiting in the wings, it could be a quick trip to New York for her.
Predictions
Pegula def. Anisimova
Osaka def. Bencic
Halep def. Garcia
Kasatkina def. Samsonova
Osaka def. Pegula
Halep def. Kasatkina
Osaka def. Halep