Aryna Sabalenka set to star in Quebec

From 3pm Monday
Naomi Osaka delivered a powerful performance to defeat Serena Williams and lift her maiden Grand Slam title in the US Open and another talented 20-year-old tipped for big things, Aryna Sabalenka, can showcase her talents with victory in Quebec City.

The fiery Sabalenka pushed Osaka to a deciding set in the last 16 at Flushing Meadows, having previously dumped out Petra Kvitova, and the bullish Belarusian should make hay against lesser opposition.

The world number 20 claimed her first piece of silverware late last month at the Connecticut Open, where her list of victims included Daria Gavrilova, Julia Georges and a rejuvenated Carla Suarez Navarro, and if she remains in similar health she should take some stopping.

Sabalenka has made huge strides in little time, having been ranked 78th in the world as recently as last season, and her run to the last four in Cincinnati last month announced her as one of the most dangerous youngsters on tour.

The promising 20-year-old silenced seeds Caroline Garcia, Karolina Pliskova and Madison Keys before she was stopped by world number one Simona Halep, and there’s nobody lurking in this field capable of producing performances like that.

Of course, there’s the risk a long season competing against elite opposition may soon take its toll but there's little to suggest she is winding down and she should be hungry to add more titles.

The top seed has landed in the weaker half of the draw and an opening match against American Varvara Lepchenko should ease her into the competition.

If the Belarusian takes her task seriously then she would be strongly fancied to justify favouritism.

New York heroine Osaka is 10-1 to retain her title next year. She is 20-1 to win the Australian Open, 40-1 for the French Open and 25-1 for a Wimbledon triumph.

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A Sabalenka
2pts 7-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

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