The US Open will kick off today without defending champion Rafael Nadal, who is out because of a wrist injury. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are making the headlines at the Flushing Meadows on the opening day.
Five-time champion Roger Federer is one of the favourites to lift the title, after his impressive showing in the hard court season, while Djokovic is also in contention to win his second title here, despite his early exits in the last few tournaments.
Murray is heading into the tournament with quarterfinal exits in Toronto and Cincinnati - results he will aim to improve in the US Open. The worrying factor for the Scot is that he lost both those quarterfinals from winning positions.
Murray has been given a tough draw and he could face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the pre-quarterfinals, before bumping into Djokovic in the quarters. The eighth seed is certainly not the same player he was last season but the former US Open champion is feeling ready for the open.
"I have had a great practice week, had good fun on the court, enjoyed it and worked hard," the 27-year-old said. "I have had enough time on the courts now to prepare. So to get underway on Monday is good... I am happy. I feel ready to start the tournament. We'll see what happens when we get underway."
The two-time major winner will lock horns with Robin Haase in the first round. Murray has defeated the Dutchman twice in three meetings on the professional tour, including their most recent meeting in the Australian Open last year.
Haase's only victory over the Scot came in 2008, when he defeated him in Rotterdam. However, the Dutchman is unlikely to repeat his fine showing as he not in the best of touches this season. He played only two matches last week in preparation for the US Open.
Meanwhile, top seed Djokovic will be hoping to put his miserable form behind him and start the US Open with a thumping win against Diego Schwartzman of Argentina. This is their first meeting on the tour and the Serb is heading as the favourite.
Djokovic enjoyed a purple patch in July, when he bounced back from the French Open defeat and clinched the Wimbledon title, beating Federer in the final. He also reclaimed top spot in the ATP rankings but post-Wimbledon he lost the momentum.
The world number one lost successive third round encounters in Toronto and Cincinnati Masters but is now eager to get his form back.
"I have high expectations for myself," Djokovic said. "I always have. Especially at this stage of my career where I feel like now is the time that I'm at my peak physical strength. I want to use this time of my career as much as I can to win as many matches as possible."
Reigning Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka will play his first round match against Jiri Vesely, while Tsonga will lock horns with Juan Monaco.
Schedule of Play
Robin Haase vs Andy Murray starts 10:30 pm IST
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Juan Monaco starts 10:30 pm IST
Stanislas Wawrinka vs Jiri Vesely starts 12:30 am IST
Novak Djokovic vs Diego Schwartzman starts 6:30 am IST
Where to Watch Live
The day's action is scheduled for 8:30 pm IST (3:00 pm GMT, 4:00 pm BST and 11:00 am ET) start with live coverage on Ten Sports in India and live streaming option HERE. International viewers can catch the action HERE and HERE or listen to the action free HERE. The live updates of all matches are available online HERE, HERE or HERE.
Eurosport will broadcast matches live in the UK and Europe. Viewers can also live stream the action HERE or listen to the action live online on BBC HERE. Catch the action live on ESPN Network and CBS Sports Network in the United States or see live streaming HERE or HERE. SuperSport will telecast the action in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa and viewers can catch the matches live HERE.
