Women’s Storylines of the US Open Series

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Can Aga recreate her 2014 Canadian glory?

Sep 1, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) returns a shot to Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) on Armstrong Stadium on day seven of the 2013 US Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Few would imagine that Agnieszka Radwanska, who’s ranking stands firmly at no. 7, will be fighting for a Top 16 seeding at the US Open this year.

However, that is the situation the Pole is currently facing. Due to her title run in Canada and a quarterfinals appearance in Cincinnati last year, Aga will face the daunting task of defending 1090 points leading up to the US Open. Poor performances in these two upcoming tournaments would see her ranking drop to around the no. 16-17 mark. And that’s an extremely dangerous place to be, given that a top 16 seed in New York will guarantee that she doesn’t meet another top 16 seed (such as a certain, record-seeking American) until the fourth round.

So can Aga emulate her impressive 2014 runs in Canada and Cinci?

Her 2015 form says: No.

Her 2015 grass court form says: Maybe.

The unpredictability of the WTA says: Absolutely!

The key to Aga’s success throughout the rest of the year will lie in her ability to translate her great grass court performances to American hard courts. Playing a more aggressive game, albeit with relatively wide margins, took Radwanska to the Wimbledon semifinals.

If she can maintain that standard of play, she could do some damage leading up to, and at New York.

Next: Wozniacki's Tough Assignment