“I’m literally just getting started.”
Serena Williams offered these words to encouraging fans in the wake of her loss to Angelique Kerber in the Wimbledon final.
She may not have realized at the time how true that sentiment was. Since her incredible run to the Wimbledon final, Williams’ road back to the top is already throwing twists in her path. She lost 6-1, 6-0 to Johanna Konta in San Jose, the worst loss of her career. She later withdrew from Montreal, and this week, she was tossed out of Cincinnati by Petra Kvitova.
Still, the US Open will feature Williams as a favorite to win it all. But a growing list of contenders can put their stamp on the tournament and emerge the victor. That list could easily stretch 20 names long, such is the depth and quality of the women’s tour, but here’s a cross-section:
1
Angelique Kerber
The new Wimbledon champion has delivered the goods this year, making the quarters or better at every Slam. After a spotty 2017, Kerber looks like the elite top player who’s won two Slams in 2016—a rarity for any player not named Williams. She’ll look to redeem a first-found exit last year and grind her way into contention.