In the behavioral economic community, the debate rages: Is there a hot hand? That is, does event X impact event X+1? Will Steph Curry make or miss his last shot, based on the outcome of the previous shot? Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman is credited with dispelling the hot hand phenomenon as a “widespread cognitive illusion,” a figment of imagination. Other researchers push back and make the case that momentum exists and we’d be foolish to ignore it.
At the 2024 U.S. Open, the women’s draw will help add data points. A few players enter on hot streaks. Aryna Sabalenka, a finalist in 2024, is fresh off winning in Cincinnati in dominating fashion. Qinwen Zheng, is your Olympic gold medal winner. Jessica Pegula was the winner in Canada and finalist in Cincy.
