By Erik Gudris | Thursday, September 4, 2014

 

The defending champion, a former No. 1 and two surprise semifinalists make up this year's US Open women's final four.

Photo Credit: AP

An unpredictable US Open women's event is down to the final four. Yet one constant presence remains as she aims for another major title. Here's a look at the women's semifinals.

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(10) Caroline Wozniacki vs. Shuai Peng
Head to Head: Wozniacki Leads 5 to 1

China's Shuai Peng joins her countrywomen Li Na and Zheng Jie in having reached at least a Grand Slam semifinal. Despite her singles prowess, Shuai of late has earned more success on the doubles court, including the No. 1 doubles ranking, the first top ranking ever held by a Chinese woman.

Peng roared back to life on the singles court in New York when she knocked out Agnieszka Radwanska on her way to the semis. A potent player, Peng continues proving she is tough to beat when she's on.

Wozniacki is enjoying a summer resurgence after a rough start to the season. A former US Open finalist, Wozniacki continues playing at the same level, and at times, even better than when she reached No. 1 in the world. Her upset win over Maria Sharapova showed the Dane looking more confident and willing to go for winners from all parts of the court, even up at net.

Peng certainly could pull off another upset and might have if this match were played six months ago. Yet the renewed Wozniacki will want another chance at possibly winning her first ever major title.

Pick: Wozniacki

(1) Serena Williams vs. (17) Ekaterina Makarova
Head to Head: Williams Leads 3 to 1

Is Serena's 18th Grand Slam title on her racquet? That's what many feel as she remains the top seed left after a chaotic tournament saw most of the big names fall early. Still, Williams has to navigate the pressure she puts on herself to win and all of the outside expectations to do so. She's gotten off to slow starts in several of her matches, only to roar back to life and not drop a single set along the way.

Russia's Makarova may not get all of the publicity that her more well-known countrywomen receive on tour, but the lefty is once again enjoying a solid summer including reaching two semifinals in lead-up events. She may be playing in her first Grand Slam semi, but Makarova is rising to the occasion and enjoying the moment. Makarova did beat Williams a few years ago on a big stage in the fourth round of Melbourne. She also tested Williams earlier this year in Dubai.

Still, this is all about Williams. If the top seed starts strong, stays calm and doesn't get rattled, which she has this year at the other majors, then she should make yet another US Open final.

Pick: Williams