US Open Best Bet: Caroline Wozniacki vs. Coco Gauff

I had Caroline Wozniacki winning a set off Petra Kvitova a few days ago and the former Australian Open champion ended up winning that match in straights. I’m going back to Wozniacki to win a set again, but this time it’s going off at plus-money odds. I’m not sure Wozniacki will be able to beat Coco Gauff outright, but I do think the American has had trouble staying focused throughout this tournament. She has played at least one lousy set in two of her three matches, going the distance against both Laura Siegemund and Elise Mertens.

Gauff has made tremendous improvements with her forehand, which is why she is suddenly winning big tournaments and looking like an elite player. But that shot isn’t 100% steady just yet. It can occasionally get away from her, but the difference between the present and the past is that Gauff isn’t letting it fade for full matches. She has been able to adjust and turn it into a weapon, even after some lousy moments. But those issues have come up in every match she has played, including her straight-set win against Mirra Andreeva. And if she gives Wozniacki an opening, I think the 33-year-old will take it.

Wozniacki doesn’t quite look like she’s fully back to where she was before retiring, but she doesn’t look like somebody returning from years away from the game either. She has already picked up two very impressive wins in this tournament, over Jennifer Brady and Kvitova. Her movement along the baseline has been wonderful, allowing her to play the type of defense that made her a major champion to begin with. And her ability to return serves has been a huge advantage early in this tournament. That’s something that could easily help her stay competitive against Gauff.

Overall, I just think that this is a price that is too good to pass up. It’s a lot easier than people think for a player to throw away a set, especially against a player that can be frustrating to play against.

Bet: Wozniacki +1.5 Sets (+145)