Introduction
Every year, two of the biggest sporting events in the world—the US Open in tennis and the US Open in golf—draw millions of fans across the globe. And with every match or round, one thing is always on everyone’s mind: Who’s your pick to win? This is where US Open picks come in.
US Open picks are predictions made by fans, analysts, and experts. They help you guess which player may win, who might shock everyone, or who’s a safe bet to go far. Whether you’re cheering from the stands, watching at home, or joining a fantasy league, good US Open picks can make the experience more fun and more exciting.
In this friendly yet deeply informative guide, we’ll go beyond basics to help you make better picks. Whether you’re new to sports or a seasoned fan, we’ll cover how to read stats, follow players, watch trends, and trust your gut.
Let’s dive into how to make smart, confident US Open picks—whether it’s for tennis, golf, or both!
US Open Picks in Tennis vs Golf: What You Need to Know
When you hear US Open picks, make sure you know which sport people are talking about. Both tennis and golf feature major events called the US Open, but they are very different.
The US Open in tennis is held every summer in New York. It’s one of four Grand Slam tennis events. Matches are played on hard courts, and it features men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and juniors. US Open tennis picks include match winners, tournament champions, and even surprise upsets.
The US Open in golf, held by the USGA, is one of four major tournaments in golf. It moves to different courses each year and is known for being very tough. Golf fans make their US Open picks based on full tournament results, hole-by-hole leaders, and top-10 finishes.
Both sports are very popular, and picks for each are fun and challenging in different ways.
How to Make Smart US Open Picks Using Stats
If you want to get better at choosing the best players, start by looking at stats. Stats help you move from guessing to making smarter, more confident US Open picks.
For tennis, look for:
- Win-loss records on hard courts (or current surface)
- Head-to-head records with their opponent
- Serving stats (aces, double faults)
- Break point conversions
- Number of matches played before the US Open
In golf, check stats like:
- Recent results (last 5 tournaments)
- Driving accuracy and distance
- Putting averages
- US Open course experience and past results
- Strokes gained (total, tee-to-green, etc.)
It takes just a few minutes to review these numbers, but it can give you a huge advantage. You’ll notice patterns like rising stars, slumping favorites, and sneaky underdogs just waiting for a chance.
Is It Smart to Always Pick the Favorites?
Many fans think picking the biggest name player guarantees a win. But while favorites are often the safest US Open picks, they don’t always win.
In tennis, top seeds like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, or Iga Swiatek are expected to do well — but upsets happen. A single bad day or injury mid-match can take out a favorite.
In golf, even world No. 1 players can struggle if the course isn’t a good fit. For example, a golfer who’s not great with sand might not perform well on a course with tricky bunkers.
The key is balance. Mix some safe picks (top-ranked players) with value picks (players on a hot streak or with great US Open history). That way you increase your odds of hitting big—even if a favorite tumbles early.
Underdogs to Watch for in Your US Open Picks
Sometimes, the best stories at the US Open don’t come from the top seeds—they come from underdogs. That’s why it’s smart to include a few lower-ranked or lesser-known players in your US Open picks.
In tennis, think about young stars making their debut, former top-players making a comeback, or players who perform really well on hard surfaces. Past examples like Emma Raducanu or Frances Tiafoe showed us how far surprise picks can go.
In golf, underdogs often go overlooked because of rankings. But some players have the game built for tough US Open conditions. Look for those who finish strong in earlier tournaments or have proven skills under pressure.
Don’t be afraid to go against the crowd. Underdogs can turn your ordinary picks into highlight moments.
Where to Find Expert US Open Picks
Not sure who to choose? That’s where expert US Open picks come in. These are picks made by former pros, commentators, and sports journalists who follow the players closely.
You can find these expert picks in places like:
- ESPN and Tennis Channel (for tennis)
- Golf Digest and PGA Tour sites (for golf)
- Yahoo Sports or CBS Sports fantasy analysis
- YouTube, podcasts, and daily previews
- Official tournament sites with previews and draw analysis
Experts often explain why they made their picks, which helps you learn about important trends like injury risks, form, and mental strength. But remember: even the experts get it wrong sometimes.
Use their advice as a tool, not a rule.
Using Head-to-Head History in US Open Picks
Head-to-head records show how players have done against each other before. It’s one of the most useful ways to improve your US Open picks.
In tennis, head-to-head stats tell you if a player struggles against a certain opponent. Maybe they’ve never beaten them—or maybe they dominate the matchup.
In golf, it’s more about how players perform in similar tournaments or playing conditions. If a golfer struggles under pressure or fades on Sunday, that may affect how far you think they’ll go.
Throw in surface or course type, and you have even more ways to compare. This extra detail adds major value to every pick you make.
Tools and Apps to Help With US Open Picks
To boost your US Open picks, you don’t need to rely on luck. There are many apps and tools that can help you make smarter decisions.
Helpful resources for tennis:
- ATP/WTA official player rankings
- Tennis Abstract (deep match stats)
- Flashscore for live match progress
- Draw Challenge for bracket-style pick games
Helpful tools for golf:
- PGA Live Scoring
- OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking)
- GolfStat or ESPN for course breakdown
- Fantasy Golf Podcasts and Tracker sheets
Most tools are free or low-cost and simple to use. With just a few clicks, you can see how players are trending—and how to build better picks.
US Open Picks in Fantasy Leagues and Bracket Games
Making US Open picks is even more fun when you join with friends. Many websites run fantasy games or pick-em contests, and they’re perfect for big events like the US Open.
In tennis, you can:
- Pick match winners each round
- Build a fantasy lineup with players for points
- Predict how far unseeded players will go
In golf, you can:
- Choose a roster of golfers
- Rank them by expected finishing order
- Score based on birdies, cuts made, or top-10 finishes
These games add a layer of friendly competition. Plus, they make you pay attention to every small detail on the court or fairway.
Can You Bet on US Open Picks? Here’s What to Know
Yes, in many places, you can legally bet on US Open picks for both tennis and golf. But it’s important to do it safely and responsibly.
Before making a bet:
- Check that it’s legal in your country or state
- Use licensed betting platforms
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Understand betting types (outright winner, over/under, live betting)
- Don’t bet just for fun—use smart research
Whether you’re risking money or just bragging rights, your US Open picks should always come from smart ideas—not just hope.
Current US Open Picks to Watch in Tennis
Here are some top names being considered solid US Open picks in tennis for 2024:
Men’s Picks:
- Carlos Alcaraz: Has shown strong US Open and hard court form
- Novak Djokovic: Always a safe bet because of experience
- Jannik Sinner: An emerging talent with explosive power
Women’s Picks:
- Iga Świątek: Mentally tough and great in big moments
- Coco Gauff: A major fan favorite and growing in confidence
- Elena Rybakina: One of the hardest hitters on the women’s tour
Keep an eye on qualifiers and wild cards, too. They often create surprising headlines as the tournament unfolds.
Trending US Open Picks in Golf
Looking at the 2024 US Open in golf? These US Open picks are getting lots of early hype:
- Scottie Scheffler: In top form, with consistent finishes all season
- Jon Rahm: Past US Open winner with the power and short game to win again
- Xander Schauffele: Consistently in the lead mix during majors
Dark horse picks to consider:
- Max Homa: Known for good play on tricky courses
- Tony Finau: Strong finisher under pressure
Look at course conditions and layout to decide which players may have the edge.
FAQs
What are US Open picks?
US Open picks are predictions about which players will win or perform well at the US Open in tennis or golf.
Can beginners make good US Open picks?
Yes! With some basic research and paying attention to player trends, anyone can improve their picks.
Where can I follow live US Open picks?
Follow sites like ESPN, the US Open app, or social feeds of sports analysts for real-time updates.
Do I have to bet money to make US Open picks?
Not at all. Most people make picks just for fun, fantasy games, or free contest prizes.
Are expert US Open picks always right?
No. Even experts make mistakes. Use their opinions to help, but trust your own research too.
When should I make my US Open picks?
Make your picks after reviewing the initial draw or tee list and before the event starts.
Conclusion
Whether you’re following tennis or golf, making US Open picks can bring extra excitement to every swing and serve. You don’t have to be a professional. With the right mix of information, instincts, and interest, your picks can be fun, smart, and surprising.
Keep it friendly. Do a little research. Trust your choices. And when you win big—whether it’s a friendly bet or just personal pride—remember the thrill of getting it right.
So go ahead and make your US Open picks. Share them with friends, track your results, and enjoy every moment as the champions are crowned.
