The Top 3 WTA biggest dark horses at the US Open

While Garbine Muguruza, Simona Halep and Karolina Pliskova lead the way as favorites at the US Open, there are plenty of strong contenders who could take the year’s final major. Putting aside some of the other Top-10 favorites like Elina Svitolina, Johanna Konta and Venus Williams, there are three dark horse players hoping everything breaks their way in New York.

1

Jelena Ostapenko

She had her breakout French Open title in June, but the hard-hitting 20-year-old was underwhelming in losing both her matches in Toronto and Cincinnati. Can she suddenly turn on her audacious power and clinch Player of the Year with two major trophies?

Her draw is friendly to start with potentially the first big test against struggling defending champion Angelique Kerber in the fourth round. She might even be the favorite to get to the semifinals.

Now that Ostapenko knows she can win playing her way, it opens up her chances for an encore. On the other hand, she might be feeling the pressures and expectations that come from herself and the rest of the tennis world. Her composure more than her obvious talent will be the key to conquering New York. At least she appear to be having fun.

And for fans of doubles tennis, how about the pairing of Ostapenko and Eugenie Bouchard? That’s a primetime show for sure.

2

Kristina Mladenovic

Another strong spring performer who is hoping to rise at the US Open, Kiki Mladenovic has turned into a Top 15 regular. She’s got the stature, strength and all-court game to defeat any of the other top players, so long as she controls her variety of shots.

Two years ago, Mladenovic reached the US Open quarterfinals, and she’s a much improved player in 2017. If she does meet up with No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in the fourth round, she could get that signature win that boosts her to the final weekend.

Mladenovic also clearly has an affinity for New York.

“Every Slam has its own special thing, but I gotta go with the US Open," she said on media day. "It has a special thing for me in my heart. And also last year was great, reaching the doubles finals, so I love it. I just love the US Open – all the fired-up people, the atmosphere and everything that goes with it.”

3

Madison Keys

The American star will always be on the short list of dark-horse contenders until she wins that first major. For now, her stock is underrated as she’s made her way back from an injured wrist that required extensive rehabilitation.

Keys has the power and experience to defeat anyone on tour, and she split two summer matches with US Open favorite Muguruza, the first spurring her on to a title at Stanford and the second a close battle that was Muguruza’s toughest challenge in Cincinnati.

Best of all, Keys is showing the belief that she wants to win big. It’s in her training, on her tee shirts and in her fans’ social media language. This could be her time to shine.

Follow Jeremy on Twitter: @JeremyEckstein1