There were high expectations for the American women at the 2013 U.S. Open.
- Would Serena continue to dominate?
- Was Venus capable of advancing in the singles bracket?
- Would Sloane Stephens continue to make her mark on the big stage?
- Would other up and coming players (Madison Keys, Victoria Duval, Jamie Hampton, Mallory Burdette, or Sachia Vickery) have a breakthrough tournament?
The American women had a solid start as 10 of the 19 women won first round matches. First-round losers included:
- Grace Min
- Mallory Burdette
- Nicole Gibbs
- Maria Sanchez
- Varvara Lepchenko
- Lauren Davis
- Vania King
- Madison Keys
- Shelby Rogers
Half of the remaining women advanced to the second round (64). Second-round losers included:
- Sachia Vickery
- Victoria Duval
- Venus Williams
- Coco Vandeweghe
- Bethanie Mattek-Sands
Five women advanced.
Jamie Hampton and Christina McHale were the only two women to lose in the third round (32).
Three women advanced.
In the round of 16 Serena Williams thumped Sloane Stephens and Daniela Hantuchova ended Alison Riske’s unexpected run.
Williams was also convincing in her quarterfinal and semifinal matches. Her only challenge came from Victoria Azarenka in the finals. Williams captured her fifth U.S. Open and 17th Grand Slam.
Combined, the American women won 22 matches and lost 18. In 2013 Williams was virtually unbeatable in the Grand Slams, but her days as the top women’s player are numbered. But there is hope for the American women. Despite losing badly to Williams, Stephens showed she is a player to be reckoned with and Riske showed potential.
The next generation of Grand Slam champions and WTA frontrunners includes a group of talented young American women. Unfortunately, it also includes a group of equally talented women from other countries who will be vying for the top spots.