Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams are among the notable absentees from this year’s US Open but the final Grand Slam of the year could be a historic occasion. World No 1 Novak Djokovic equalled Federer and Nadal’s Major record of 20 titles by winning Wimbledon – and he is looking to break away into a league of his own.
Djokovic is the heavy favourite to complete his Calendar Slam and hold all four Major titles for the second time in his career.
Daniil Medvedev is likely to be the closest challenger, while Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev will also look to prove themselves on the biggest stage.
Defending champion Dominic Thiem, who beat Zverev in last year’s final, dropped out through injury.
Andy Murray has earned his way into the main draw and feels his level is “around 50 or 60 in the world.”
In the women’s draw, Naomi Osaka is the favourite to win the US Open title for the third time.
US Open draw LIVE
4.30pm: Good afternoon and welcome to Express Sport’s live coverage of the US Open draw, which is due to get underway around 5pm.
The top 32 players will be seeded and kept apart in the first two rounds of the tournament.
The season-ending Grand Slam usually throws up shock results with the likes of Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka, Marin Cilic and Juan Martin del Porto all beating the Big Three to the title at Flushing Meadows over the past 12 years.
However, Djokovic looks like a man on a mission this year and it will take an almighty effort to stop the Serbian juggernaut.