Major question marks in women's field leave door open for Gauff, Swiatek at US Open

The U.S. Open main draw commences on Sunday, leaving the door open for past champions Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek to reclaim their crowns from Flushing Meadows. Top seed Aryna Sabalenka's season has been far from ideal, with her back half marred by poor results, while Elena Rybakina's leg injury has raised doubts about her U.S. Open aspirations.

In stark contrast, Gauff's performance has been nothing short of impressive, thanks in part to her improving serve. She recently reached the semifinals in Toronto and claimed her maiden title of the year in Cincinnati, factors that will surely benefit her at the U.S. Open. Gauff's hometown crowd is expected to provide additional support.

ESPN commentator Mary Joe Fernandez, a former world number four, believes Gauff has been playing the best tennis currently. Other contenders include Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, who clinched her first major title at Roland Garros, Czech Linda Noskova, who won Wimbledon earlier this year, and Alexandra Eala from the Philippines, who stunned Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula to win a WTA 500 title in Washington D.C.