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While the likes of Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff will be the center of attraction at the Cincinnati Open, there will also be a talented set of players eager to upset the odds. With the emergence of contenders like Jasmine Paolini and Zheng Qinwen this year, the women's tour has shown that it can be very unpredictable.
The Cincinnati Open marks the beginning of the final two weeks of preparation ahead the 2024 US Open. The challengers will be determined to find their best form and build some momentum on tour. World No. 2 Coco Gauff is the defending champion in Cincinnati and will be a strong favorite to win again.
It will be fascinating to witness if any of the other players manage to rise to the occasion and capture the shutterbugs' attention this week. Paula Badosa dug deep to clinch her first title in two and a half years last week in Washington. Russian youngster Mirra Andreeva also opened her account at the Iasi Open recently and announced her intent at the highest level.
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On that note, let's take a look at five dark horses capable of lifting the title at the Cincinnati Open.
5) Elina Svitolina
Fifth on the list is former World No. 3 Elina Svitolina. She's had a decent season so far, racking up 25 wins from 40 matches, including a runner-up finish at the ASB Classic. She also reached the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon Championships, where she lost to Elena Rybakina in straight sets.
The Ukranian has a solid record on hard courts and is a two-time quarterfinalist in Cincinnati. She also reached the semifinals in 2015, but lost to Serena Williams in straight sets. Svitolina will begin her campaign against a qualifier this year and a confident start could increase her chances of making a deep run.
4) Donna Vekic
Meanwhile, World No. 21 Donna Vekic has silenced her critics with exceptional results over the last few months. She secured a runner-up finish in Bad Homburg, reached the semifinals in Wimbledon, and then almost clinched the gold medal in Paris. The Croat put up a spirited effort against Zheng Qinwen, but settled for a silver medal finish at the Olympics. She will be making her first appearance on tour since then at the Cincinnati Open.
Vekic is among the most in-form players in the women's draw. She reached the third round of the Cincinnati Open last year, but was forced to throw in the towel mid-match due to illness. The 28-year-old will be keen to perform better this time around and make the most of her current form. She will be seeded 16th at the event this year.
3) Marta Kostyuk: Seeded 15th at the Cincinnati Open
Third on the list is another Ukranian talent, Marta Kostyuk. The World No. 20 has been the surprise package on the women's tour this year. She's chalked up 27 wins from 42 matches, including runner-up finishes in San Diego and Stuttgart. She also reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and the Paris Olympics, where she lost to Donna Vekic in three sets.
Kostyuk has made significant improvements to her game over the last few years. She is slowly establishing herself as a fierce competitor on tour and no player would want to face a resilient opponent like her. She will head to Cincinnati on the back of a third round finish in Toronto and begin her campaign against Elise Mertens. A possible encounter with Iga Swiatek could be on the cards in the third round if she manages to win her first couple of matches.
2) Paula Badosa
Former World No. 2 Paula Badosa is second on the list of dark horses who could win at the Cincinnati Open. The Spaniard breathed a sigh of relief by winning the Citi Open this month. The title marked her first significant triumph in almost three years after a dreadful period of struggling with constant injuries.
Badosa has had a promising season so far with 22 wins from 36 matches, including fourth round appearances at Wimbledon and the Italian Open. She also reached the quarterfinals in Bad Homburg, but lost to Diana Shnaider in a close encounter.
The 26-year-old will make her third appearance at the Cincinnati Open this year. She reached the quarterfinals in 2021, which was her best result so far. Badosa will begin her campaign against Peyton Stearns in the first round. She is among the few players who possess the skill set and temparament to succeed at the highest level.
1) Emma Navarro
Lastly, 11th seed Emma Navarro will be among the players capable of having a say at the Cincinnati Open. She's had an impressive season so far by amassing 39 wins from 55 matches, including a title-winning run at the Hobart International. She also reached the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open and the Wimbledon Championships, where she lost to Jasmine Paolini in straight sets.
The American has made a solid start to the hard court swing in North America and made it through to the semifinals of the Canada Open. She will be eager to continue her rich vein of form and break the shackles by lifiting a WTA 1000 title on tour. Navarro will begin her campaign against the golden girl of tennis Mirra Andreeva in the first round. The duo have never faced each other on the main tour.
