The official drawing for the much-anticipated US open was reveled on Monday and already has some interesting fixtures. The most anticipated of course was that off 23-time Grand slam winner Serena Williams who has been drawn to play Danka Kovinić in the first round.

The tournament which is expected to be Williams’ final professional tennis game in a long-decorated career will have a sentimental feel for all the participants this year. Williams’ progression will understandably attract the most notoriety.

The 40-year-old tennis legend, will kick off her journey against the number 46 Montenegrin on Monday August 29. A win for the American could set up an intense second round showdown against Anett Kontaveit if she gets by her first-round fixture  

Reigning champ Britain’s Emma Raducanu will start her title defense against number seven ranked Alizé Cornet of France.

This will be the first major opponent since eliminating Williams from the Cincinnati masters on August 16.  The fixture is the one of the major news coming from the Thursday draw.

Another major news from the draw is the exclusion of former top seed Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian’s presence in this year’s tournament was also a major doubt given the US vaccination mandate. Djokovic of course has publicly expressed his personal views against vaccine.

Despite thousands petitioning for a change of rules to accommodate persons like Djokovic this weeks they have confirmed his absence from participating at Flushing Meadows next week.