Carlos Alcaraz is set to launch the defence of his US Open crown against Russia's Roman Safiullin. This marks the two-time US Open champion's first competitive singles appearance since April, following a right wrist injury that forced him to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon.
Safiullin, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, previously defeated Alcaraz at the 2023 ATP Masters 1000 in Paris. Alcaraz later evened their head-to-head record at the Paris Olympics the following year.
In other notable first-round matchups, 46-year-old Venus Williams, who received a wild card, will face American Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion. Main draw action for the season's final Grand Slam tournament is scheduled to get underway on Sunday.
Top seed Alexander Zverev, replacing the injured Jannik Sinner, will start against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego. Two-time defending women's champion Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Camila Osorio.