US Open Tennis 2016: Bracket Predictions, Odds for Top Players and Prize Money
Novak Djokovic has been given a tough draw as he bids to defend his U.S. Open title. The Serb is in the first quarter of the draw and will meet Jerzy Janowicz in the opening round.
As a result of the draw, Marin Cilic could be waiting for Djokovic in the quarter-final. It's a daunting path for the two-time tournament winner.
Serena Williams won't have things any easier at the start of the women's event. She goes up against Ekaterina Makarova in the first round, who she faced at the semi-final stage back in 2014.
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Whoever does emerge at the top of both brackets can expect to collect a massive $3.5 million, per Steven Kutz of Market Watch, making this the most lucrative tennis tournament in history.
Here's what the payouts look like:
| Stage | Payout |
| Winner | $3.5 million |
| Runners-up | $1.75 million |
| Semi-finalist | $875,000 |
| Quarter-finalist | $450,000 |
| Round of 16 | $235,000 |
| Round of 32 | $140,000 |
| Round of 64 | $77,200 |
| Round of 128 | $43,300 |
Here are the odds for the top players:
| Player | Odds |
| Novak Djokovic | Even |
| Andy Murray | +180 |
| Milos Raonic | +1200 |
| Juan Martin Del Potro | +1600 |
| Stan Wawrinka | +1600 |
| Serena Williams | +120 |
| Angelique Kerber | +800 |
| Garbine Muguruza | +800 |
| Simona Halep | +800 |
| Madison Keys | +1400 |
Djokovic Will Reign Again
He may be facing a daunting draw, but Djokovic welcomes it, per ESPN Tennis:
""Grand Slams are valued the most in our sport...so these are the tournaments where I want to do well & do my best." pic.twitter.com/ru7bwYOrjU
— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) August 26, 2016"
Of course, making good on his confidence will mean getting past Janowicz. The Pole reached the semi-final at Wimbledon in 2013 and is a tricky opponent on his day.
Djokovic had better hope it isn't one of Janowicz's better days when the pair meet in the first round on Monday. The Serb may be the favourite, but he's under no small amount of pressure after quick and dismal exits at both this year's Wimbledon and the 2016 Olympics.
If Djokovic does get his groove back, he'll still need to be on his guard against Cilic. Geoff MacDonald of the New York Times wisely named the Croatian as one of the dark horses of the tourney.
Cilic has split from coach Goran Ivanisevic, but he still boasts a powerful and varied service game that could cause Djokovic problems.
Still, there are few styles Djokovic can't handle when he's on top form. The Serb's defences are excellent, but he's been far from his normally consistent self.
A left wrist injury suffered before the Olympics could be a cause of his wobbles. However, Djokovic has vowed to be "as close to 100 percent as possible," per ESPN.com.
Count on a return to health and competing in his favourite event to revitalise Djokovic.
Garbine Muguruza Can Take Women's Bracket
Williams is still the dominant force in women's tennis. However, a pesky shoulder problem, combined with that difficult first-round draw, makes it more likely she won't be this year's Open winner.
While the rest of the field is strong and talented, French Open winner Garbine Muguruza seems a good bet to go all the way. She's stalled somewhat since besting Williams at Roland Garros, but the Spaniard is dynamic enough to turn on the style for the big occasion.
An erratic streak is the main problem for Muguruza, according to Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated: "She could win the title. She could lose in Week 1. Eventually, the consistency will come."
What could help is being in the easier half of the draw. Williams begins with Makarova and could meet Agnieszka Radwanska as early as the fourth round. That's tough duty for any player.
The draw has made it tough for all of the top contenders. It makes the possibility for surprises even stronger.
Yet, the men's bracket will have a familiar look come the final picture, even if the women's event springs a shock or two.
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