US Open 2019 Women's Singles: Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty, Serena Williams and Other Tennis Players to Watch Out For at Year's Last Grand Slam

US Open 2019 commences from Monday, August 26, and it's time for the last grand slam of the year. The women's singles category will see some fierce competition in the segment with the likes of Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty, Karolina Pliskova, Simona Halep, Serena Williams and Elina Svitolina competing for the title. Before the competition at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, New York City, here's a look at the top five contenders in the women's singles at the year's last grand slam.

Naomi Osaka shot to fame after her victory  over Serena Williams in the finals of US Open 2018. The defending champion also won the Australian Open, proving her mettle on the hard courts. However, she has had a rough patch since then and will look to turn things around at the US Open 2019. US Open 2019 Men's Singles: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Other Tennis Players to Watch Out For at Year's Last Grand Slam.

Apart from the below mentioned players, the women's singles  boasts of players like Coco Gauff, Kiki Bertens, Sofia Kenin and Amanda Anisimova, who will all feature in the US Open this year.

Top Five Women's Singles Players to Watch Out For at US Open 2019

1. Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka, the World No 1 women's singles tennis player is seeded number 1 and is the defending champion. The 21-year-old Japanese player has set high standards with her tennis on the hard court and fans expect her to go a long way too. The final last year against Serena Williams might have been discussed because of Williams run-in with the chair umpire, but Osaka's talent has given fans enough reason to think she can repeat the feat.

2. Ashleigh Barty

Ashleigh Barty of Australia created history when she became the first woman from down under to win the French Open in 46 years. The 2019 French Open champion is ranked number 2 and will look to leave her mark on this year's US Open.

3. Karolina Pliskova

The Czech tennis player has a great chance to end the year on a high. Ranked number 3, the former world number 1 is very much a contender for winning the US Open 2019. A hard court specialist, Pliskova would want to add a grand slam trophy to her cabinet and US Open suits her the best.

4. Simona Halep

Simona Halep of Romania is another contender who can go all the way when it comes to this year's US Open. Asserting her growth in the last two seasons, Halep believes she has it in her to beat the best on her given day. The World No 4 is all set to compete at the flushing meadows.

5. Serena Willaims

The 23 times grand slam winning champion is in search of the record 24th slam. However, age seems to be catching up with the champion of late. But Serena herself sent a strong warning to the opponents saying, "I believe in myself. I believe if I’m feeling well, I can be a big competitor in a sport that I love, and I’ve done so well at.” We have enough evidence to believe that.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 25, 2019 05:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).