US Open Series Preview: Stanford

The Bank of the West Classic field includes four Grand Slam champions, two former World No. 1s and several of the world’s top young players.

Highlighting this year’s player field will be one of the biggest names in women’s tennis who is making her return to competitive play in the United States: Maria Sharapova. The five-time Grand Slam champion was granted a wildcard (along with Victoria Azarenka, who withdrew with a viral illness).

Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza will be making her second appearance at Stanford. Fans will also get the opportunity to see two of the fastest rising stars in American tennis: Madison Keys and Bay Area native CiCi Bellis.

Other players to watch include Wimbledon quarterfinalist CoCo Vandeweghe, two-time WTA singles titleist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Japanese stars Misaki Doi and Naomi Osaka.

The list of past champions of the event reads like a Who's Who of women's tennis including Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Andrea Jaeger, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters.

Fast Facts

• Level: WTA Premier

• Prize Money: $753,000

• Dates: July 31–August 6

• Site: Taube Family Tennis Stadium, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305

• Singles main draw: 28-player draw

• Doubles main draw: 16-team draw