There were two new Grand Slam singles winners in women’s tennis in 2020, as Sofia Kenin and Iga Swiatek prevailed in the Australian Open and French Open respectively.
With so many talented young players in the women’s game today, there could be more maiden Grand Slam champions in 2021. Here are three who look to be in with a great chance of claiming some major silverware.
Aryna Sabalenka
Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka has already won a double Grand Slam title with her partner Elise Mertens. It may not be long before a singles win follows as the 22-year-old is very capable of having success on her own.
The six-time WTA Tour winner is 12th in the world rankings but she did briefly reach the top 10 in 2019. Given her results have been strong on her own, Sabalenka may start to concentrate on singles action a lot more in 2021.
Sabalenka is a very dangerous player on all surfaces. She has a powerful serve and usually finishes with a large number of winners. Her results so far in Grand Slam singles action have not reflected how good she is but expect that to change soon. At 22/1 in the tennis betting, she could be a great bet to win the Australian Open in January.
Belinda Bencic
Had it not been for injuries over the last few years, former world number four Belinda Bencic would probably be a Grand Slam winner right now.
The Swiss player reached the semi-final of the 2019 US Open, losing to the eventual winner Bianca Andreescu in the last four at Flushing Meadows. Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, she did not feature in the French Open or US Open in 2020.
Bencic tends to start the year strongly as she has been part of the Switzerland team who have won the Hopman Cup in 2018 and 2019. She will be hoping to be at her very best for the opening Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne where she is 22/1 in the outright betting.
Elena Rybakina
2020 was a breakthrough year on the WTA Tour for Elena Rybakina as she led the tour with five finals. She was only able to win one title though, with victory coming in the Hobart International.
The experience the 21-year-old gained in those finals in 2020 are going to prove invaluable next season, particularly in Grand Slam events.
Rybakina’s best performance in the major tournaments this year came in the Australian Open where she reached the third round after wins over Bernarda Pera and Greet Minnen. She bowed out to number one seed Ashleigh Barty.
Given her form was so hot at the start of the season this year, she is a dangerous opponent for anyone in Melbourne in the 2021 competition. The Russian-born player is 25/1 to cause an upset in the event.
In each of the last four seasons on the WTA Tour there has been a new Grand Slam winner. If this trend continues, all three of the above will have an excellent chance of joining the honours board in tennis.
