The 2015 Western & Southern Open wrapped up today with Serena Williams and Roger Federer claiming yet another title to their illustrious careers. The veteran stars were certainly the fan favorites, and if you ask me I’d say they’re the favorites for the upcoming US Open too. However, both the other finalists will have their say as well. Runner-ups Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep are proven stars, and each of these players will be sure bets for deep runs at the 2015 US Open. Let’s take a look at each of these players’ case:
Serena Williams – She’s simply incredible. She lost just one set in Cincinnati and powered her way through everyone in her path. With a US Open title she’ll make history as just the second woman to win all 4 Majors in one year in the Open Era. The only thing that could stop her now is an injury. I don’t think any of the women are anywhere near good enough to deny her this incredible opportunity if she’s healthy.
Simona Halep – The young Romanian has been knocking at the door at Majors for over a year, and did get a pretty big win at Indian Wells in 2015, but she’s no match for Serena, and it showed in the Western & Southern Final, where she got beaten in straight sets. Her record versus Serena is 1-5 all time, with her only win coming in last year’s WTA Finals in the opening round. It’s worth noting that Serena got revenge in the final of that tournament several days later. Nevertheless, she’s ranked 3rd in the world and is a player on the rise. She’ll win a Major soon enough, but the question is will it be at the expense of Serena Williams on her quest with destiny?
Roger Federer – He’s been unable to beat Novak Djokovic as of late, but he did manage to take the Western & Southern Open Championship in straight sets today. Does this bode well for the US Open? I fully believe so. Federer didn’t drop a single set at this tournament and defeated both his main rivals Djokovic and Andy Murray. Federer understands that Father Time is calling upon him, but I think he’s got another Major left in him. A 6th US Open title would be a great last hurrah for the Swiss master.
Novak Djokovic – He looked off all tournament long and nearly lost in the early rounds, including being down a double break against young Belgian David Goffin in the 3rd and set. His anger propelled him to victory, and he managed to navigate the rest of the field well enough until the Final, where his nemesis Federer dispatched of him with ease. Naturally, the Wimbledon champ will be heavily favored heading into the US Open, but I’m not sure he’s up to the task this year. The US Open hasn’t historically been his strongest tournament and Federer looks hungry as ever. I think the thing that will determine which of these two stars wins in New York will be if Federer can keep up with the physicality of Serbian over the course of a 5-set match, which has recently led to his downfall. Something tells me this time he’ll be able to manage it.
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Nicholas Spiller
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