All eyes will be on New York on Monday as the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, gets underway at Flushing Meadows.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at the main contenders battling it out for the women's singles title.
Serena Williams:
Considering the year that she's had it's hard to look past Serena Williams for this year's tournament. Such was her dominance at Wimbledon and the Olympics, the American is the favourite to land a fourth title at Flushing Meadows. However, the home crowd can bring out the boisterous side in the 30-year-old and she will need to keep her emotions in check to avoid any upsets.
Odds: Evens
Agnieszka Radwanska:
The world number two is constantly making progress in her game and it's surely only a matter of time before she claims her maiden Grand Slam. Her patient play often frustrates opponents and a good showing from Radwanska could see her go to the top of the world rankings. Forget that though - she will be desperate to become the first Pole to get their name on that trophy.
Odds: 10/1
Maria Sharapova:
Despite being bludgeoned off the court by Serena Williams in the final of the Olympics, the Russian should always be considered a contender for any Slam. She'll want to erase that defeat from the collective mind of the tennis world and where better place to do that than in front of her doting American fans?
Odds: 6/1
Victoria Azarenka:
The big-hitting Belarusian has the chance to bookend a great year by winning in New York. She took the first Slam of the year in Australia and her ability to blow opponents away on her day gives her a great chance to add to that triumph.
Odds: 6/1
Petra Kvitova:
It's never easy watching Petra Kvitova due to her knack of doing things the hard way. She can be guaranteed to scrape through the early rounds of the Slams, but she can also be called on to win the big points when they count and go deep in the draw.
Odds: 9/1
Li Na:
A recent win in Cincinnati has put the Chinese right back on the tennis map. There are still questions over whether she can add another Slam to her win at the French Open in 2011, but with Carlos Rodriguez now coaching her Li seems to have turned a corner.
Odds: 10/1
Kim Clijsters:
The Belgian's last ever Slam is sure to provide a cloud of sentimentality over the tournament, but you can bet your bottom dollar that the 29-year-old will be as focused as ever as she looks to win for a fourth time in New York. If she stays fit and benefits from a kind draw, Clijsters could yet write one last glorious chapter in her glittering career.
Odds: 25/1
Also watch out for:
Caroline Wozniacki
Samantha Stosur
Venus Williams
Angelique Kerber
Ana Ivanovic
Jack Prescott
