Why the US Open Is the Easiest Slam To Win on the Women's Side This Year

We're already into the summer hard court season, and the coveted U.S. Open trophy is ready to be given to the best woman of the tournament.

We have already seen Serena Williams win the Australian Open and Wimbledon, while Francesca Schiavone won at Roland Garros. But those two champions had a tougher time to win their trophies than the U.S. Open winner will have this year.

The scheduling has started to take their toll on the players. Think about someone like Caroline Wozniacki, the world No. 3, and how many tournaments she has played so far. She made it to the finals last year, but she is probably mentally and physically exhausted by now.

Also, two contenders might not be able to compete for the title. 13-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and seven-time Grand Slam winner Justine Henin are suffering from injuries.

Justine Henin is guaranteed to skip the U.S. Open. Serena Williams has pulled out of her first three tune-up events. With the lack of match practice, Serena might not do her best at the Open.

Serena is always a contender for a Grand Slam, no matter how much she is prepared. But how about the others?

Venus Williams probably won't do well here this year because of her low confidence level after bowing out in the quarters at Wimbledon.

Maria Sharapova is close to her pre-shoulder surgery form, having average results in the last two majors.

Kim Clijsters might be motivated to prove herself again this year at the U.S. Open after a quarterfinal exit to unheralded Vera Zvonereva at Wimbledon.  

As always, there will be Samantha Stosur, too. Although she was a first-round loser at Wimbledon, hard court is her favorite surface, and she is bound to do well under the lights of New York.

All in all, it will be a very fascinating U.S. Open. With the matches to be played, the excitement cannot mount anymore!