US Open 2017: Everything you need to know

Looking to catch up on your tennis knowledge ahead of the 2017 US Open? We’ve got you covered. Injury news, ranking scenarios, hot and cold players, a Maria Sharapova update – it’s all here, and all in a New York Minute.

What happened last year?

Stan Wawrinka defeated Novak Djokovic 7–6(7–1) 4–6 5–7 3–6 to win his third Grand Slam title.

Angelique Kerber won a tight contest over Karolina Pliskova 6–3 4–6 6–4. It was her second, and last, Major title.

Who’s in form?

Roger Federer. The Swiss has won five titles so far in 2017, including two Grand Slams and two Masters trophies. He didn’t drop a set at Wimbledon and has an outstanding 35-3 record on the year.

Alexander Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov are coming off impressive Masters titles in Montreal and Cincinnati respectively. Zverev is 46-14 on the year and Dimitrov is 34-14.

On the women’s side, Garbine Muguruza is on fire. The 23-year-old is ranked No.3 in the world with a bullet heading straight to the top. In July she defeated Venus Williams to achieve Wimbledon glory and then backed it up with a dominant 6-1 6-0 trouncing of World No.2 Simona Halep in Cincinnati. She is 34-14 on the year.

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Who’s out of form?

Dominika Cibulkova has had a nightmare 2017. Starting the year as the world No.5, Cibulkova’s 17-16 record has seen her dip to No.11 and has many asking if it’s the beginning of the end for the tenacious 28-year-old. Her last good result was in February where she reached the semifinals in Doha.

Angelique Kerber is also struggling. The 2016 US Open champ bombed in the first round at Roland Garros and hasn’t done much to turn it around since. She has 25 wins on the year, which is okay, but they are all from opponents outside the top 20.

No one on the men’s side has performed too poorly against expectations; it’s just been a year full of unfortunate injuries to key players.

Who’s not playing this year?

Novak Djokovic (elbow), Stan Wawrinka (knee) and Kei Nishikori (wrist) have all suffered late season injuries, while Milos Raonic (wrist) is also sitting this one out.

Andy Murray was another late withdrawal, the former world No.1 pulling out just 48 hours before the start of the event.

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Sam Stosur will miss with a stress fracture in her right hand and Victoria Azarenka is out to due to an ongoing custody battle.

And, just in case you’ve been living under a rock, Serena Williams is pregnant and will sit out the rest of 2017.

Who are the favourites?

Roger Federer is the consensus pick. Despite recently becoming World No.1, Rafael Nadal is only second favourite as many question his ability to perform on the hard court. Andy Murray is a strong chance but there are real questions over his very limited preparation.

Garbine Muguruza is the favourite on the ladies side, closely followed by Karolina Pliskova and Simona Halep. It’s hard to see anyone outside of these three ladies winning.

Is there a chance of new world No.1s at the end of the tournament?

Yes. Roger Federer can become No.1 by winning the US Open – or going deep if Rafael Nadal crashes out in the opening rounds.

On the women’s side, a mind-boggling eight different players could go No.1. With only five points separating No.1 (Pliskova) and No.2 (Halep) it’s tight at the top. Garbine Muguruza also has a great shot, but has struggled historically in NYC.

RELATED: Eight players fighting for WTA No.1 at US Open

Maria Sharapova has been awarded a US Open wildcard. What can we expect from her?

Sharapova will play a blockbuster first round against world No.2 Simona Halep on opening night. If she can get through that, she could go deep. Since returning from a 15-month doping suspension, Sharapova has gone 6-3 and struggled with first a thigh problem, and more recently a left forearm injury. She pulled out of Cincinnati to make sure her body would be ready for her first major since the 2016 Australian Open.

It will be interesting to see what Sharapova’s peers say about the decision to give the former world No.1 a wildcard; Eugenie Bouchard, Simona Halep, Alize Cornet, Roberta Vinci and Agnieza Radwanska have all been extremely critical of her.

Anyone else I should keep an eye on?

Nick Kyrgios. The polarising Aussie has been threatening for a while now. He is 2-3 in Grand Slams in 2017 but 16-4 in ATP World Tour Masters 1000, including a tight finals loss to Grigor Dimitrov in Cincinnati.

Less flare, more form, Elina Svitolina has become a force in 2017. She’s the first player in WTA history to win three Premier tournaments in a year, and has beaten some quality opposition to do so. She has a frustrating habit of struggling in Slams though…