Top five title favourites in women's singles at Cincinnati Open 2025

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka returns to defend her title at Cincinnati Open 2025.

A near-all strength WTA field will take centre stage at the Cincinnati Open 2025, giving players and fans a clear idea of what to expect at the US Open. As the hard-court swing is now in complete effect, unexpected finalists at Montreal have created an air of unpredictability for the upcoming event.

Not many would have expected Victoria Mboko and Naomi Osaka to play the finals of Canada, but given the hectic scheduling, it would require an incredible effort to repeat those heroics in Cincinnati as well. With top seeds returning to action, the focus and spotlight shall firmly be on them now.

Title favourites in women’s singles at Cincinnati Open 2025

5. Madison Keys

2019 Cincinnati champion Madison Keys is always a dangerous contender on American hard courts. Known for her explosive serve and powerful groundstrokes, she thrives in fast conditions. If she finds rhythm early, she can knock out any top seed and make a deep run.

Having already proved her prowess in these conditions, the Australian Open winner is one of the few players who can create troubles for the heavy favorites.

4. Jessica Pegula

2024 finalist Jessica Pegula will be under pressure to defend several points, having already faltered in Montreal. The American will hope she can return to winning ways, after poor outings in Canada and SW19. Pegula’s baseline stability and intelligent shot selection make her a threat on hard courts.

Having reached multiple quarter-finals in big events, Pegula’s calm under pressure and tactical awareness makes her a reliable contender on these surfaces.

Also Read: Cincinnati Open 2025: Updated schedule, fixtures, results, & live streaming details

3. Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek started her hard-court swing with two easy wins in Montreal before losing to Clara Tauson in straight sets in the round of 16. This was the Polish star’s maiden outing since her Wimbledon triumph and would certainly have helped her in transitioning to the hard surfaces again.

As a two-time consecutive semi-finalist in Cincinnati, the World No. 3 will be hoping to go the distance this time around and give herself a solid chance to excel at the Flushing Meadows and reclaim the #2 spot on WTA rankings.

Also Read: Top 13 players who have withdrawn from Cincinnati Open 2025

2. Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff’s attempt to regain form was halted by local hope Victoria Mboko in Montreal, marking another disappointing outing for the American since winning Roland Garros.

Home conditions might help Gauff find her rhythm, and one of the biggest struggles for the former US Open winner has been with serving, with an unwanted record for most double faults by a player in WTA-1000 matches.

The 2023 champion will hope to turn the tide in her favour again, as she looks to complete the Cincinnati-US Open double again.

Also Read: Aryna Sabalenka’s projected path to Cincinnati Open 2025 final

1. Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka is the reigning champion and the outright favourite for the title. The Belarusian needs to hit the ground running, and should she find her range early, she could very well clinch yet another title in 2025.

The World No. 1 will have her task cut out though, having to contend with a formidable draw, potentially meeting Grand Slam champions in her initial two rounds itself.

However, the champion in Sabalenka is expected to find a way to ensure yet another deep run as she looks to find her best form ahead of the US Open defense.

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