IGA SWIATEK (POL)

Age: 21

Ranking: 1

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US11,476,777

Career titles: 9

Grand slam titles: 2 (French Open 2020, 2022)

US win-loss record: 6-3

Best US Open result: fourth round 2021

The world No.1 has cooled off somewhat since having her 37-match, six -title winning streak snapped at Wimbledon, failing to venture beyond the quarters in three events since. But still the deserved favourite after a phenomenal season.

ANETT KONTAVEIT (EST)

Age: 26

Ranking: 2

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US7,655,943

Career titles: 6

Grand slam titles: 0

US Open win-loss record: 10-6

Best US Open results: fourth round 2015, 2020

The Estonian is arguably the lowest-key world No.2 women's tennis has seen and remains unproven on the biggest stages, reaching just one grand slam quarter-final in 28 starts. A chance to step up as second seed.

MARIA SAKKARI (GRE)

Age: 27

Ranking: 3

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US7,183,041

Career titles: 1

Grand slam titles: 0

US Open win-loss record: 13-7

Best US Open result: semi-finals 2021

The athletic Greek loves the Flushing Meadows hard courts and made her name with last year's run to the final four. Is seeded to repeat that breakout performance.

SIMONA HALEP (ROM)

Age: 30

Ranking: 6

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US40,123,437

Career titles: 24

Grand slam titles: 2 (French Open 2018; Wimbledon 2019)

US Open win-loss record: 20-11

Best US Open result: semi-finals 2015

The former long-time world No.1 is showing glimpses of her old brilliant self after finally recovering from a run of injuries, reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon and then winning the title in Toronto this month in a promising lead-up.

COCO GAUFF (USA)

Age: 18

Ranking: 12

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US4,852,621

Career titles: 2

Grand slam titles: 0

US Open win-loss record: 3-3

Best US Open results: third round 2019

The teenage sensation has climbed to No.1 in doubles and reached her maiden grand slam singles final in Paris in another stellar season. Yet to make the second week of her home slam having done so at the three other majors but desperate to do so.

EMMA RADACANU (GBR)

Age: 19

Ranking: 11

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US3,436,763

Career titles: 1

Grand slam titles: 1 (US Open 2021)

US Open win-loss record: 7-0

Best US Open result: champion 2021

The Brit's fairytale triumph from qualifying last in New York remains the teenager's lone tour title but she's nevertheless fast closing in on the top 10. Would be foolish to dismiss her chances of going back to back.

BEST OUTSIDER

SERENA WILLIAMS (USA)

Age: 40

Ranking: 608

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US94,606,355

Career titles: 73

Grand slam titles: 23 (Australian Open 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017; French Open 2002, 2013, 2015; Wimbledon 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016; US Open 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014)

US Open win-loss record: 106-14

Best US Open results: champion 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014; runner-up 2001, 2011, 2018, 2019

Strange to call a 23-times grand slam champion an outsider but that's what the underdone veteran is these days. The American superstar says this will likely be her last tournament, meaning one final shot at equalling Margaret Court's all-time no of singles majors.

BEST AUSSIE HOPE

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC

Age: 29

Ranking: 48

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US5,163,183

Career titles: 0

Grand slam titles: 0

US Open win-loss record: 6-8

Best US Open result: third round 2021

The two-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist is finally showing some real consistency after taking the mantle from Ash Barty as Aussie No.1, winning nine matches on the US hard courts already this campaign. Capable of going deep.

Australian Associated Press