Kim Clijsters made a memorable comeback from retirement at the Flushing meadows when she won the tournament in 2009. She successfully defended it in 2010 and would have again been the favourite to win it had an injury not forced her to pull out. Her absence surely boosts the chances of a few other women who look likely to lay their hands on the trophy.
A look at the leading contenders for the US Open women's title, the final Grand Slam tournament of the season:
