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Maria, Venus, Serena, Ana and Jelena - Who has the weapons to go furthest at Flushing Meadows?

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Betfair's Mandeep leaves Henin out of the picture and looks at who amongst the other favourites can go all the way in New York

In this week's article I will be comparing 5 top female tennis players, and assessing their chances at this year's US Open. With Henin starting as the clear favourite, I have decided to omit her from my study.

Maria Sharapova

The reigning champion has shown excellent form in this season's US Open Series, and is an extremely strong contender for this year's US Open title. Sharapova relies on powerful groundstrokes to overpower her opponent into submission. Reliable solid hitting from the baseline is consistently deep, and difficult to counter. This together with a solid serve (and lovely new dress I might add!) does not however mask the weaker points of her game. Her movement is limited compared to other top players, and her net game is relatively poor. Luckily for Maria, a net game is not such a vital requirement to win this tournament.

Serena Williams

Serena is a fantastic competitor, and excellent in most facets of the game. Her great serve and great groundstrokes were highlighted during her magnificent victory over Sharapova in this year's Australian Open final. On her day, no lady on tour can compete with her ferocious hitting. Despite her lack of competitive tennis in recent times, Serena remains a formidable opponent, and rightfully deserves to be among the favourites for this US Open. If there is a weakness to look for, she may suffer from lack of conditioning if the weather is extremely hot, and she has to play some long three set matches.

Venus Williams

Venus showed in this year's Wimbledon that she is still capable of winning the majors, and has to be considered for this year's tournament, raising her game when it really counted. Such a big match temperament may yet prove crucial, but I fear Venus has not shown the required level of form on hard courts to be in the last four. Her groundstrokes have lacked consistency, and her match sharpness is simply not there. Undoubtedly she has the ability, but would need to raise her game to levels not seen at Flushing Meadow since 2002.

Ana Ivanovic

Ana Ivanovic is a true rising star of the tennis world, and not just because of her striking looks. The French Open finalist has shown great form in recently whilst winning the East Bank Classic. A clubbing forehand, and a desire never to give in have held her in good stead. A potential quarter final with Venus Williams could prove to be an epic match, the winner of which could gain a great amount of confidence. There are stronger contenders for the title and this is a year to soon for her.

Jelena Jankovic

Last year's semi finalist has enjoyed a fantastic year. Her consistency has proved difficult to match by most opponents and Jankovic should prove a safe bet for the quarter finals. Although a great athlete and defensively superb, she has to develop her attacking game to new levels if she wants to win the US Open. She seems to have found it difficult to win in the biggest matches, and this trend is likely to continue at this tournament. An ever improving player, but who just doesn't quite have the tools to go all the way.

Serena Venus Sharapova Ivanovic Jankovic

Forehand 2 3 5 4 1
Backhand 4 3 5 1 2
Serve 4 5 3 2 1
Net game 5 3 1 4 2
Mental strength 5 4 3 1 2
Court speed & stamina 3 5 1 2 4
Love of hard courts 4 3 5 1 2

Total Points 27 26 23 15 14

Key: Each player has been ranked on seven different criteria. A player receiving 5 points is viewed as the best of the five on that skill/requirement, if she receives 1 point she is viewed as the weakest of the five at that skill/requirement etc.

Summary

The table above does not incorporate form and the crucial draw but should give you a decent idea of who may be better prepared to win the tournament. The value bet is definitely Maria Sharapova who is on the easier side of the draw. A relatively easy run to the final, Sharapova should face either Serena or Justine Henin. Laying off at the final stage (anywhere between 2.2-2.5) should provide you with a nice green book.