US Open 2016: Top 5 favorites to win the Women's Singles title

Modified Aug 25, 2016 03:32 GMT

MASON, OH - AUGUST 20: Garbie Muguruza hits a return in the semifinal match against Karolina Pliskova during day 8 of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 20, 2016 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) — Muguruza will be looking to better her second round performance here last year

#3. Simona Halep

MASON, OH - AUGUST 20: Simona Halep of Romania hits a return in the semifinal match against Angelique Kerber during day 8 of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 20, 2016 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) — Simona Halep will be one of the favorites heading into the US Open

The Romanian has been in good form in the past couple of months. After a disappointing showing at both the Australian Open and the French Open, Halep reached the quarter-finals of the Wimbledon where she lost to eventual runner-up Angelique Kerber. Shortly later, she avenged her defeat by beating Kerber 6-0, 3-6, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Rogers Cup. She eventually won the tournament by beating Madison Keys in the final. She pulled out of the Rio Olympics owing to Zika virus fears.The World No.5 will be considered one of the title contenders of the US Open and would be looking to better her semi-final performance last year. Halep’s offensive game has always been her strength and she will be relying on this strength of hers to put up a strong performance at the US Open. Provided she maintains her good form, then she could well give the likes of Williams and Kerber a run for their money.

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Edited by Staff Editor