Feliciano Lopez has changed his prediction for the women’s US Open title.
After much build-up and anticipation, the final Grand Slam of the season is now underway in New York.
Some players have already started their campaigns in emphatic fashion and sending an ominous warning to the rest of the field.
As we head into day two Flushing Meadows, fans are keen to see which players will be off and running in pursuit of the US Open title.
Who does Feliciano Lopez think will win the US Open now?
There are several WTA players who are the top contenders for the US Open title. One player who stands out is Aryna Sabalenka, who returned to form after winning the Cincinnati Open without dropping a set.
Sabalenka struggled with injury over the summer and missed Wimbledon, but winning in Ohio was key for the Belarusian ahead of competing at the US Open.
Lopez, who is commentating for Sky Sports, initially predicted World number one Iga Swiatek to win, but after Sabalenka’s latest title win which included a victory against the Polish player, he has been convinced by the 27-year-old’s form that she is the one to beat in ‘The Big Apple’.
“I think I have made a mistake with my prediction for this year. I was asked two days ago and I didn’t know what to say! So please give me another opportunity,” Lopez said.
When asked why he picked Swiatek over Sabalenka, the Spaniard added: “I think she was a more consistent player over the last three years.
“She has a great opportunity to win here but when I realised that Sabalenka is in better shape and the courts here may suit Sabalenka more, but there is nothing I can say now, I have to stick with my prediction.”

Aryna Sabalenka cruises into round two at the US Open
Fresh off her Cincinnati Open victory, Sabalenka won her 12th successive set when she defeated qualifier Priscilla Hon at the US Open.
She hit 27 winners to 16 unforced errors on the way to maintaining her unbeaten record in US Open first round matches.
Sabalenka broke Hon’s serve on four occasions in the 6-3, 6-3 win, and began her quest for a third Grand Slam title in style.
The second seed is aiming to become the first woman since the now retired Angelique Kerber in 2016 to win both hard-court Grand Slams in the same season.
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