The US Open is fast approaching and it is the final chance for players to get their hands on a Grand Slam title this season.
All eyes turn to New York City to witness the action from Flushing Meadows, home to the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Many will focus on the big names, such as defending champion Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, and the likes of the WTA’s Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka.
But as has been the case in some Grand Slams over the years, there are players who have caused plenty of surprises on the way to an unexpected title win, and there are players who are capable of doing the same at the 2025 US Open.
Martina Navratilova and Marion Bartoli think Victoria Mboko will be the surprise player at the US Open
WTA legends Martina Navratilova and Marion Bartoli spoke to Sky Sports about the upcoming US Open.
The pair shared their thoughts on who they believe can cause a shock at Flushing Meadows, and they both mentioned the Canadian Open winner Victoria Mboko.
“Lois Boisson played great tennis on the clay at the French Open, she was an eye-opening experience and I think she can do some damage at the US Open,” Navratilova said.
“Her game should transfer beautifully to the hardcourts and Karolina Muchova. If she is healthy and playing well then she can beat anybody.
“After Montreal I’d say Victoria Mboko has announced her arrival loud and clear and must be considered a threat to go deep.”
Along with Mboko, Bartoli also mentioned four other names who she thinks can cause a surprise at the US Open. “Mboko big time!,” the Frenchwoman said. “Also, Ben Shelton, Amanda Anisimova, Clara Tauson and Naomi Osaka.”
Martina Navratilova and Marion Bartoli predict the US Open winners
Roger Federer remains the last man to successfully defend the US Open title in 2008.
No woman has retained the US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014, but Bartoli thinks the champions will be the same this year. While Navratilova agrees with Bartoli’s pick for the men’s winner, she has a different women’s champion.
“Sinner won on grass and was one point away from winning the French Open which are both by far the most challenging surfaces for him,” Bartoli said.
“He is going to steamroll on hard! The women’s is unpredictable as always, but I will go with Sabalenka.”
Navratilova added: “Jannik Sinner plays his best on the hardcourt and after his win at Wimbledon I think he will be so confident. It will be hard for anyone to beat him.
“Iga Swiatek in the women’s for me, even though she hasn’t had the best summer. The Wimbledon win and the way she conducted herself through the whole tournament does mean that the old Iga is back.”
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