The tournament had been in a very strong position after the Quarter Final matches had been played, but the Semi Final results have been a blow to the overall numbers.
Two more matches are to be played, beginning with the women's Final on Saturday, and a strong end to the US Open would be welcomed.
Aryna Sabalenka - 4.5 games v Jessica Pegula: Both of these players will feel they have overcome some tough challenges and mental obstacles in their run to the US Open Final.
Nerves are going to play a part for both Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka as they bid to win a maiden US Open title and in the case of Pegula, a maiden Grand Slam title full stop. There have been some criticisms faced by both players after coming up short in the business end of events time and again and that is going to be a test for either player if the winning line draws over the horizon.
We saw some of those nerves from Aryna Sabalenka in her Semi Final win over Emma Navarro having led 6/3, 4/2, but ultimately being dragged into a second set tie-breaker. You would have worried for Sabalenka if she had dropped that set and there is a feeling that the World Number 2 doesn't have the same kind of mental fortitude as other top players of the past, especially when someone is able to stay with her through her hot periods.
That will be the test for the home player who came through in three sets against Karolina Muchova having lost the first set 6/1.
Jessica Pegula was able to fight back in style, but it was a very close match that could have easily gone the other way and the feeling is that she will be the one that needs to raise her tennis levels more than the Belarusian standing across the other side of the net.
It was Aryna Sabalenka who was the stronger of the two players in the Cincinnati Final last month, which was won in straight sets, and that means Sabalenka has won five of the last six between the players. Things have been a bit more even on the hard courts with that victory in the Final meaning Sabalenka and Pegula have both beaten the other twice on this surface, and that should at least give the American some real hope.
Dealing with the nerves of the occasion will be the test for both- we have seen those pressures hindering Sabalenka and Pegula at different times throughout their careers and the New York City crowd can make it tough. You have to feel Aryna Sabalenka has the edge if she can serve near her best and that will put pressure on Pegula to keep up on the scoreboard, which can lead to cracks.
We have seen Jessica Pegula serving well enough to keep her opponent off balance, but the edge has to be with the World Number 2 and she can cover this line as long as the nerves do not get to her as the chance to add to her two Australian Open titles nears.
MY PICK: Aryna Sabalenka - 4.5 Games @ 2.05 William Hill (2 Units)
US Open Update: 26-19, + 6.24 Units (90 Units Staked, + 6.93% Yield)
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