2012 U.S. Open Player Previews: Victoria Azarenka

We profile 12 of the top title contenders at the 2012 U.S. Open.

The 23-year-old was the queen of the court earlier this year, but has since ceded that distinction. Yet she’s hardly off the radar; for one, she’s the No. 1 player in the world. And there’s another important element to consider: Azarenka is now returning to the surface that vaulted her into the spotlight. Plenty has changed since Indian Wells, where Azarenka won her 23rd consecutive match to begin the season. Most obvious is the competition: Maria Sharapova shook off harsh defeats—some to Azarenka—in the subsequent months, Agnieszka Radwanska lodged herself in the Top 5, and then there’s Serena Williams—what more can be said? But it would be foolish to forget about Azarenka’s capabilities, especially on hard courts. It will be harder to win a Slam this time around, but Azarenka possesses something she didn’t have in Melbourne: The experience of winning one.

Why She’ll Win:

Azarenka’s mental and physical strength is impressive, and she gave Serena—a likely obstacle in New York—a tough match at Wimbledon. With the focus on Williams, Vika should feel less pressure.

Why She Won’t:

Her serve can be exposed by one of the many other strong returners in the draw. Azarenka likes to set up winning points, but in doing so, she’s susceptible to a bigger hitter.

Bottom Line:

It would help Azarenka’s cause if Serena stumbles, but she’s not beneath beating the current queen of the court. To win, Azarenka must summon her occasionally sheltered offensive instincts.

More U.S. Open Player Previews:

**Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic  

Andy Murray  

David Ferrer  

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga  

Juan Martin del Potro**

**Victoria Azarenka

Agnieszka Radwanska  

Maria Sharapova  

Serena Williams  

Petra Kvitova  

Samantha Stosur**