FLUSHING MEADOWS

U.S. Open: Women’s preview 2017

Karolina Pliskova
Aiming for maiden major title in bid to retain No.1 rank – finalist here last year, losing to Kerber

Simona Halep
U.S Open semi- finalist in 2015. Needs to find mental fortitude to clinch first major title

Garbine Muguruza 
Cincinnati victory over Halep will inspire Wimbledon winner to improve on second round loss last season

Angelique Kerber
Shock early exit in Cincinnati highlights struggle for form which
led her to two Slams in 2016

PLAYER RECORD*     Pliskova   Halep   Muguruza   Kerber
2017 win-loss       42-12     39-12     39-15     25-17
2017 titles           3         1         2         0
Career titles (total) 9         15        5         10
Grand Slams           0         0         2         2


Wimbledon: Garbine Muguruza ESP
bt Venus Williams USA   7-5,  6-0   
      
Roland Garros: Jelana Ostapenko LAT
Simona Halep ROM  4-6, 6-4, 6-3

Australian Open: Serena Williams USA
Venus Williams USA    6-4, 6-4

U.S. Open: Angelique Kerber GER
Karolina Pliskova CZE   6-3, 4-6, 6-4

MAJOR HOPES: With Maria Sharapova (right) set to play her first Grand Slam since serving suspension, and seven different finalists in previous four majors, battle for success at Flushing Meadows promises to be compelling

Pictures: Getty Images   Source: WTA *Data correct as of Aug 23   © GRAPHIC NEWS