Aug 30-Sep 12 Flushing Meadows
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U.S. Open 2021: Women’s preview
Naomi Osaka returns to Grand Slam action after a brief hiatus – the Japanese star has claimed four majors since 2018, including two U.S. Open titles
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PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ashleigh Barty
Wimbledon champion warmed up for fresh title tilt with trophy in Cincinnati
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Aryna Sabalenka
Reached first Slam semi-final at Wimbledon, and won U.S. Open doubles title in 2019
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Naomi Osaka
Pressures of media attention could affect title chances – lost in third round at Tokyo Olympics
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Karolina Pliskova
Returning to top form after reaching finals in Rome, Wimbledon and Montreal
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PLAYER RECORD  Barty Sabalenka Osaka Pliskova

2021 win-loss  40-7    38-14    17-5  30-16
2021 titles      5       2        1     0
Career titles (total)   13       10     7  16
Grand Slams      2       0       4      0
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THRILLING FIELD

Eight different players have reached major finals this season, including maiden Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova and Olympic gold
medallist Belinda Bencic (right)
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Major finals 2021

Australian Open Naomi Osaka
bt Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3

Roland Garros Barbora Krejcikova 
bt A. Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 2-6, 6-4

Wimbledon Ashleigh Barty
bt Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 

Tokyo Olympics Belinda Bencic
bt Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 2-6, 6-3
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Source: WTA Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS