Carlos Alcaraz will begin his US Open title defence against Russia's Roman Safiullin, marking his first competitive singles match in over four months following a right wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spaniard, who missed this season's French Open and Wimbledon, is still considered the favourite despite his lack of matchplay. His great rival Jannik Sinner is absent due to a knee injury, leaving the field more open. Safiullin, 29, reached the Wimbledon fourth round before losing to Novak Djokovic and will test Alcaraz's durability early.

If Alcaraz advances past the first round, he could face Tommy Paul or Alexander Bublik in the last 16, with Arthur Fils and Ben Shelton potential quarter-final opponents. Djokovic may await in the semi-finals, adding further intrigue to the draw.

In other matches, Djokovic begins his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title against Argentina's Mariano Navone. Top seed Alexander Zverev faces Italy's Lorenzo Sonego. In the women's draw, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka plays Colombia's Camila Osorio, while two-time champion Venus Williams, 46, meets 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in the first round.