As the 2022 US Open marches earnestly toward the second week and final knockout rounds, we look back at a scintillating Week 1 of tennis at Flushing Meadows. There were highs and lows in both the men’s and women’s games, with captivating contests, stunning upsets, and plenty of drama.
In this column, we’ll be looking at the women’s game. Discussing some of the highlights of the first week and several developing Tennis picks storylines and key injuries that have had an impact on the draw and tennis odds. These include Simona Halep’s stunning early upset, Naomi Osaka’s disappointment, Carolina Garcia’s sublime form, and Serena’s inspired run into the R32.
2022 US Open Week 1 Takeaways & Odds Update
Halep Stunned In First Round
Arguably, one of the biggest upsets in the women’s game was Halep’s stunning upset on Monday, Day 1 of the US Open. The 30-year-old Romanian went into the US Open as the second favorite to win it all and she seemed to underline her favorable betting online odds after clinching the National Bank Open title in Toronto. But her campaign was derailed by Ukrainian upstart Daria Singur in the first round behind a 2-6, 6-0, 4-6 defeat.
Halep became the first high seed and favorite to fall in the tournament. On the flip side, Singur’s campaign ended in the next round with a loss to Canada’s Rebecca Marino in the R64. It’s not unusual for players to regress following a major high.
We have our first massive upset of the #USOpen
🇺🇦 qualifier Daria Snigur defeats No. 7 Simona Halep in three sets! pic.twitter.com/pz2ZqrhufX
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2022
Defending US Open Champion Raducanu Bumped
It didn’t take long before defending US Open champion Emma Raducanu got bumped out of the US Open. It happened on Tuesday, Day 2 of the tournament as the top half of the women’s draw took center stage. Raducanu, No. 11 seed, was one of six seeded players contained within the second quarter. She was favored over veteran Alize Cornet to advance, but the Frenchwoman had other ideas and dismissed the No.1 Brit 6-3, 6-3. Following Raducanu’s upset, she’s projected to fall as out of the Top 80.
Osaka’s Struggles Continue
Osaka’s championship credentials deemed the Japanese star as a worthy top favorite with oddsmakers at BetUS Sportsbook, but her inconsistent form this season stood in stark contrast to the favorable outlook. Tale told the latter proved to be deciding, although the tough first-round matchup against Danielle Collins contributed to Osaka’s early demise.
Halep (+800), Osaka (+1200), and Raducanu (+1600) represented three of the Top 6 favorites at the start of the tournament.
Second Round Upset Roundup
Other top favorites and seeds that fell victim to the upset bug included last year’s runner-up Leyla Fernandez, who lost in the second round to Liudmila Samsonova. Barbora Krejcikova was ousted in the R64 following a three-set loss to Alexsandra Krunic while Beatriz Haddad-Maia fell to Andreescu in the R64. The highest seed to fall in the second round was Maria Sakkari, who lost to Xiyu Wang in three sets..
Sakkari (+2200), Haddad-Maia (+2200), and Fernandez (+3300) were tipped as middleweights while Krejcivkova (+5000) was a bit of a longshot as a result of an injury-riddled 2022 season.
Serena Williams Magical Run Ends
Serena Williams was a longshot bet going into the tournament at 30-1 odds. But after a couple of rousing primetime victories on Arthur Ashe stadium, her odds were slashed dramatically. As Serena played herself into the tournament, oddsmakers and fans alike realized that she still had the game to win on tennis’ biggest stage. Arguably, her win over the World No. 2 Anett Kontaveit announced Serena as a contender.
Alas, Ajla Tomljanovic didn’t get the memo. The 29-year-old delivered the historic upset in the R32 as she defeated the great Serena 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-1.
Americans Gauff and Pegula Flying American Flag
Teenage sensation Coco Gauff is through to the R16, underscoring her favorable odds to win the title by reaching the second week of the US Open.
The 18-year-old America advances without dropping a set and relinquishing just a handful of games. She was especially impressive against fellow American Madison Keys, beating her older countrywoman 62, 6-3. Next up is 33-year-old Shuai Zhang.
Gauff’s doubles partner Jessica Pegula is also through to the R16. The American was tested by Yue Yuan in the R32 and needed three sets to dispatch the Chinese player. Next up is No. 21 Petra Kvitova in the R16, which is a much bigger ask.
Gauff has seen her odds drop from +1600 to +600 ahead of the R16. At the same time, Pegula’s odds were slashed from +2000 to +1200 while Kvitova has seen her odds move from +3300 to +2000.
Garcia Moves Up in the Betting
Garcia has extended her winning run of form to 11 straight matches in singles play since Cincinnati, where she emerged out of the qualifying rounds to win the title. The upshot: bookmakers have now installed Garcia as the second favorite to win the title.
The rapid antigen test earings was created by Carolina García from Spain as a novelty item for new year's eve. Katy Perry's Stylist saw them and got a pair for Katy. Now someone brings attention to these novelty earings. Carolina would thank you for promoting her creation.
— Sharon Cook (@ShazzaCook) September 1, 2022
Garcia booked her place in the R16 of the US Open without dropping a set and conceding a handful of games. She’s also competing in the doubles tournament with long-time friend and partner Kristina Mladenovic. The pair are through to the third round.
Garcia opened as the 16 to 1 bet to win the title. Now, she’s priced at +550.
Jabeur Coasting Under the Radar
Tunisian Trailblazer Ons Jabeur did struggle during the US Open series and that poor run of form might have contributed to her rather underwhelming odds at the start of the fourth and final grand slam of the year. However, as she reaches the R16, her odds have improved significantly.
Jabeur defeated American Shelby Rodgers in three sets to book her place in the last 16, coming from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Jabeur opened with 20 to 1 odds to win the title. Now, she’s priced at +1200
Swiatek Odds Shorten
Swiatek continues to lead the tennis odds board as the player to beat at the US Open. The World No.1 Swiatek opened as the +400 favorite. She’s now tipped at +220 as she eyes a spot in the fourth round.
Swiatek benefited from all the attention being focused on Serena Williams in the early rounds. Now that Serena is out, the spotlight is sure to turn to Swiatek as the top seed and top betting favorite. Can she deliver?
