We take a quick look at the main contenders to win the women’s singles draw in this year’s U.S Open

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The main draw of the U.S Open will begin in just a few days, and it looks like this year’s event could be a distinctly memorable one. It’s not been easy to make accurate predictions in any of the slams this season, and it looks like this trend will continue at Flushing Meadows.

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki is still seeking a maiden slam title, and her credentials here are good. She’s been a force to be reckoned with on hard courts this year, and the U.S Open provides her with arguably her best opportunity to finally clinch an elusive major. She’s been the world No.1 for a long time now, and it’s surely only a matter of time before she achieves this feat.

Serena Williams has shot back up the rankings in recent weeks, and prior to her withdrawal in Cincinnati she’d won back-to-back titles in Stanford and Toronto. If she can stay fit, she’ll stand as good a chance as anyone here. The same can’t quite be said of her sister, Venus. Venus hasn’t made a competitive appearance since Wimbledon, and it will be surprising if she features towards the end of week two.

Having finished as the runner-up at Wimbledon, third seed Maria Sharapova will be eager for a slam success. She won the WTA Cincinnati Open earlier in the month, and should be feeling particularly confident ahead of this tournament.

Na Li and Petra Kvitova stand out as title candidates, following their victories in the French Open and Wimbledon respectively. Li was also close to glory in the Australian Open, where she finished as the runner-up.

Victoria Azarenka shouldn’t be ruled out either. The Belarusian made the semi-finals at Wimbledon, and has been consistent throughout 2011. She’s amassed 41 wins already this season, and may have what it takes to go the distance.

It may also be worth tracking the progress of Sabine Lisicki and Andrea Petkovic. The Germans have both enjoyed breakthrough seasons this year. Petkovic has made great strides towards establishing herself as a top ten player, whilst Lisicki has made a notable impact with her fierce serve.

Vera Zvonareva, Marion Bartoli, Samantha Stosur and Francesca Schiavone are also capable of big things, and all stand a decent chance of making a big impact this year.

It’s unlikely that the eventual champion will be someone who isn’t mentioned here, but there’s an outside chance that someone else will clinch the title. There’s a very competitive and open field present, and it will be intriguing to see who ends up lifting the trophy.

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