Halep can deliver the goods in Cincinnati

Serena Williams has accepted a wild card for the WTA Western & Southern Open this week as the 22-time Grand Slam champion bids to retain her status as the world’s number one player but she is difficult to recommend at a short price after last week’s unexpected Olympics defeat.

Serena appeared to be hindered by an injury as she crashed out in the last 16 against Elina Svitolina in Rio but the 34-year-old has hotfooted it to Ohio to defend the title she has won in each of the last two seasons.

Challenging Serena for the top spot is Olympic finalist and Australian Open queen Angelique Kerber. The German is playing better than ever but she had to rush back from Rio and fatigue could play a factor in the latter stages of the competition.