Five women competing at Flushing Meadows this year in the US:
Coco Gauff
The 2023 US Open Championship and last year’s defense hit a snag due to a double fault. After experiencing a tough season—ranked 320th in the WTA—Gauff made the decision to part ways with her manager, Brad Gilbert, switching to Matthew Daly just before last week’s opening. It was definitely a risky move.
This year, in a similar vein, Gauff has separated from Daly as well and is now working with biomechanics expert, Gavin McMillan.
Jessica Pegula
Ranked fourth in the world, Pegula returns to Flushing as the runner-up from last year, much like her male counterpart, Taylor Fritz. However, the pressure seems to be getting to New York natives, who stumbled early. Pegula, for instance, faced an unexpected exit at the hands of wildcard Royce Boisson at the French Open and didn’t fare any better at Wimbledon.
Can she capitalize on her two titles this year, from Austin and Charleston, to find success at home?
“A night game with energy—there’s really nothing like it,” Pegula expressed. “New York City has this electric atmosphere. It can be a little chaotic, but that’s kind of the charm of it.”
Iga Swiatek
It’s a bit surprising to see a six-time Grand Slam champion struggling to secure a major title in a year. But recently, it seems Swiatek returned to form—she dropped just one set on her way to winning Wimbledon last month, and then followed up with a strong performance in Cincinnati.
Venus Williams
At 45, Williams makes history as the oldest singles player in Flushing since Rene Richards back in 1981 at age 47. Yet, some, like Naomi Osaka, prefer to emphasize Williams as an icon rather than focus on her age.
Currently ranked 654th in the WTA singles, Williams earned a wildcard for her 25th appearance in the Open.
Victoria Mboko
On the younger side is 18-year-old Mboko. The Canadian talent notably took down Grand Slam champions Gauff, Osaka, Sofia Kenin, and Elena Rybakina to win her first WTA 1000 title in Montreal.
Now, she’s set to make her main draw debut at the US Open.
