Samantha Stosur is gradually improving her fitness ahead of the 2017 US Open and the Australian is optimistic of being able to compete at the final Grand Slam of the season.

Stosur has not played since being knocked out in three sets by eventual champion Jelena Ostapenko at the fourth round of the 2017 French Open back in June.

The Australian has been sidelined by a hand injury ever since but good progress has been made over recent weeks and she is now able to use proper tennis balls when practising. Initial reports appear to be positive about the 33-year-old’s chances of playing at Flushing Meadows and a decision will be made in New Haven next week.

The 2011 US Open champion is scheduled to take part in the Connecticut Open prior to the final ‘Slam of the campaign and getting through the event injury-free would likely give the go-ahead to play in New York City.

Stosur’s record in the ‘big four’ events has been disappointing over the past five years with a semi-final appearance at the 2016 French Open her best result. The world number 43 will face a tough challenge to clinch a second US Open crown with a number of higher-ranked players in good form going into the tournament.

Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza is the joint 7.00 favourite alongside Karolina Pliskova, narrowly ahead of Belarusian Victoria Azarenka at 8.00.

Angelique Kerber, Johanna Konta and Maria Sharapova are all priced at 9.50 while Simona Halep, who is still chasing her maiden Grand Slam, is a 10.00 chance. Venus Williams, who lost in the final at the All England Club this year, is a 15.00 shot whilst former world number one Caroline Wozniacki is 23.00.