Kim Clijsters Injury: If She Misses US Open, 7 Women Who Could Win the Title

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TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 09: Kim Clijsters of Belgium returns to Jie Zheng of China on Day 2 of the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank at the Rexall Centre on August 9, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

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It's been an up-and-down 2011 for Kim Clijsters. After finally cementing her name as "Aussie Kim" with her win in Melbourne at the start of the year, a succession of niggling injuries have prevented her from progressing in the other slams.

Now it looks like she may miss the chance to defend her title at Flushing Meadows at the end of the month after withdrawing from the Rogers Cup with an apparent stomach injury.

So if Clijsters doesn't make it, who could take that title?

7 Women Who Could Win the US Open Title: Li Na

TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 11: Na Li of China returns to Samantha Stosur of Australia on Day 4 of the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank at the Rexall Centre on August 11, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

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If Clijsters isn't there, this year's other slam winners will be. Li Na had a disappointing spell during the start of the summer, but having had a break, she's back on the tour.

The plan was that she would be raring to go again, but at the Rogers Cup all she managed was a bye, a walkover, and a straight-sets defeat to Sam Stosur. She should do better at the big stage.

7 Women Who Could Win the US Open Title: Petra Kvitova

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic holds her Championship trophy as she walks off court after winning her Ladies' final round match against Maria Sharapova of Russia on Day Twelve of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at

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The Wimbledon champion had a week as disappointing as her French Open-winning counterpart: she struggled with the conditions in Canada to lose in straight sets to Andrea Petkovic.

With that powerful serve, though, she's likely to put in a decent performance in New York.

7 Women Who Could Win the US Open Title: Maria Sharapova

TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 11: Maria Sharapova of Russia returns to Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan on Day 4 of the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank at the Rexall Centre on August 11, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images

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Maria Sharapova last won the US Open title in 2006. Just as she wanted to show everyone at Wimbledon that she's still at her best, she'll want to do the same at Flushing Meadows.

Though she may have lost in Toronto to Kazakhstani qualifier Galina Voskoboeva, by the time the tournament rolls around, she'll have had a lot more match practice.

7 Women Who Could Win the US Open Title: Caroline Wozniacki

TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 10: Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark serves to Roberta Vinci of Italy on Day 3 of the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank at the Rexall Centre on August 10, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

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Well, I thought this year's Wimbledon would be her best chance yet to pick up a Grand Slam title with all those big names either not showing up or exiting early, but it wasn't to be.

Maybe the world No. 1 can finally win that elusive title in New York.

She was knocked out of the Rogers Cup in the second round, losing to Roberta Vinci, which may not bode well. Wozniacki is usually consistent around the tour, and not the type to raise her game only for the slams.

7 Women Who Could Win the US Open Title: Serena Williams

TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 13: Serena Williams reacts to winning her match with Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Day 6 of the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank at the Rexall Centre on August 13, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Get

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Never bet against a Williams sister, particularly one who's won three US Open titles.

Serena's missed nearly an entire year of competition, and has been given a special ranking to enter the tournament. She'll make the most of that second chance.

7 Women Who Could Win the US Open Title: Venus Williams

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 27: Venus Williams of the United States returns a shot during her fourth round match against Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria on Day Seven of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on

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Like I said, never bet against a Williams sister. Venus has won the US Open twice, although her most recent win was 10 years ago. Now ranked at No. 35 in the world, she's a good outside chance.

7 Women Who Could Win the US Open Title: Vera Zvonareva

CARLSBAD, CA - AUGUST 07: Vera Zvonareva of Russia prepares to return a forehand to Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during the final of the Mercury Insurance Open presented by Tri-City Medical at the La Costa Resort and Spa on August 7, 2011 in Carlsbad, C

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She was the runner-up last year, and the finalist at Wimbledon six weeks ago. Vera Zvonareva could easily go one better this time round and take the trophy.