US Open 2025: Can Sinner, Sabalenka Defend the Crown?
There’s a chip on everybody’s shoulders heading into the last Slam of the year. The favourites seek to solidify their dominance, while underperformers attempt to salvage their reputation and avoid uncomfortable self-reflection. And the rest? Either battling personal demons or chasing the history dragon.
US Open 2025 is no different. From August 24 to September 7, the Flushing Meadows will once again be the crucible where legends are forged, dreams are crushed, and fierce competitors struggle under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, NYC.
Who Won Last Year’s US Open?
As title holders in singles, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka brace for another deep run on the tour. Last year, Sinner dispatched American Taylor Fritz to claim his maiden title, while Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula after losing the finals to Coco Gauff the year prior.
US Open 2025 Favorites
Unlike the Australian Open, the US Open rarely throws up major surprises. Traditionally, favorites have always justified the name if not by winning the honours, at least by making a damn good fist of it. Upsets do happen, of course – just look at Alcaraz last year, but they’re more the exception than the rule on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Jannick Sinner Eyeing Repeat
The Italian has big hopes for Arthur Ash, having won his maiden US Open last year in a fairly dominant display of youth and vigor. Sinner may not be replicating the vintage 2024 on hard court, but he is still enjoying one of his best overall years to date.
Wimbledon is the big one, isn’t it? Overcoming his arch frenemy Carlos Alcaraz, Jannick won his first non-hard-court Slam back in July, and is only 2.00 at Playbet favorite to repeat the Big Apple coup. There are some concerns about his fitness after Sinner withdrew in the Cincinnati final, but news from the camp suggests that he’s ready.
Carlos Alcaraz to Reclaim World No. 1
The world No. 2 comes with a point to prove. Alcaraz last won the US Open in 2022, and it’s no secret that the Big Apple is not his favorite ground. Last year, the Spaniard crashed out in the second round, and he and Emma Raducanu already lost mixed doubles this year.
There’s a silver lining to his last year’s failure; It leaves Carlos with only 50 points to defend in 2025. Simple math dictates that Alcaraz needs to reach the semis to reclaim the ATP throne. The man himself admitted that the main goal is to reclaim that top spot, and I have little doubt that he will.
Novak Djokovic Chasing History
As a US Open royalty, Djokovic won at Flushing Meadows four times, more than any active player on the tour. The 38-year-old Serb is on the hunt for that elusive 25th Grand Slam title that would cement his case in the GOAT conversation.
Djokovic hasn’t played any tennis since his Wimbledon semi-final loss to Sinner, biding his time and preparing for his third-favourite Slam. Seeded at 7th, age is a concern for the battle-hardened Serb, who last won here in 2023 but reached the semis in all three Slams this year. Stake has him at 9.50, by far the best odds on the market.
Aryna Sabalenka Looks to Rebound
The Belarus powerhouse is leading the WTA pack in Flushing Meadows. Last year’s winner is 3.50 at VIP Casino to repeat the coup, even though Sabalenka knows no Slam success since beating Pegula 11 months ago.
The world’s No. 1 is thus in real jeopardy of losing all four Grand Slams in 2025. Cincinnati quarterfinal exit to Elena Rybakina doesn’t inspire confidence, either. Nevertheless, thanks to eight finals in 2025, the Belarusian isn’t letting the coveted top spot slip anytime soon. Sitting on 11,225 points, she’s 3,000+ points ahead of Swiatek and co. with no chance of catching her this hard-court season.
Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek Riding the Momentum
Sabalenka’s main title rivals have all the momentum in the world. Iga Swiatek steamrolled to her first Wimbledon title, defeating Amanda Anisimova in just 57 minutes of God-tier tennis. The six-time Slam winner finally cracked the code that eluded her for the better part of the season after the month-long doping ban to announce herself as one of the finest players of this generation. Swiatek is 4.0 outright at BC.Game.
And there’s Coco Gauff. The American, 6.0 at BC.Game, proved that she wasn’t just a hard court merchant by winning the latest Rolland Garros. The world’s No. 3 returns to the place where she won her first Grand Slam with Gavin MacMilan as the new coach. He’s praised for fixing Sabalenka’s serve and is brought in to fix Coco’s strange double serve issue.
Venus Williams: Comeback of the Year
The American audience has a special reason to turn up in numbers this year not only because of the unusually large number of American seeds, but also to welcome back the queen.
The four-time Olympic gold medallist and two-time singles winner at Flushing Meadows, Venus Williams (45) received a wild card to become the oldest player in singles since 1981. Her last effort here was an opening round exit in 2023. Hoping to do at least one up, Venus will participate in mixed doubles with Reilly Opelka, as well.
2025 US Open Predictions
It’s difficult to look past Sinner in men’s singles. The Italian plays his best tennis on hard court with all the confidence in the world after cruising to Wimbledon title. Fitness concerns aside, Jannick is a lock for me.
Which cannot be said for the women’s singles favorite, Aryna Sabalenka. Despite her domination on hard, something’s been missing this year. I vote Swiatek. It looks like she got her mojo back.
Milos Antic
Sports Betting Expert
Milos is a sports betting professional whose special skill involves sitting through countless hours of football fixtures. He entered the sports betting arena in 2017 and hasn't looked back since. He is that guy who gets stopped and asked for a handy betting tip or two. As an in-house betting expert for CryptoGamba, Milos takes much pride when results go the way he called them while always finding a fitting excuse when they don't.
