US Open draw LIVE: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and co learn first-round opponents

Federer and Djokovic have already met during the American summer swing, having clashed in the final of the Cincinnati Masters on Sunday.

The Serb produced a clinical performance to beat Federer 6-4, 6-4 in a match that confirmed his status as US Open favourite.

However, Nadal will start as No 1 seed and reigning champion and few will bet against the 32-year-old adding a fourth Flushing Meadows title to his record.

That win would move him to within two Grand Slams of Federer, who has not won a US Open title in 10 years.

US Open draw LIVE

7.25pm: Oh dear. Johanna Konta, who has been battling a virus and has not had a great season, has been given Caroline Garcia in the first round. Ouch.

That section has Maria Sharapova and Angelique Kerber too.

7.20pm: My pick to go deep, Cincinnati champion Kiki Bertens, is in the bottom section and could come up against Caroline Wozniacki in the fourth round. Petra Kvitova is in that quarter as well but the top one is so stacked that basically not being in the top quarter or half is massive for players here.

Sloane Stephens has got a nice draw too, I would suggest. Not a lot of danger (comparatively) in the defending champion’s quarter.

7.15pm: The women’s is first and there are some jucy ones in the top section. We could have Serena vs Venus in the third round, and the winner could play world No 1 and top seed Simona Halep. Beautiful.

7.10pm: Katrina Adams is up next, lauding the 50th anniversary of the tournament. She is also quick to point out the success of fan week, whatever that is, and the fact that Flushing Meadows has not one but two roofed courts in action this year.

She is followed by tournament director David Brewer. That means we are much closer to the actual draw I believe. He says he’ll reveal it in “just a few minutes” while admitting he did it this morning. Come on, mate. Give over.

One interesting point Brewer makes is that EVERY match will be broadcast on TV or streaming options. In the UK of course, that means Amazon Prime. Get used to that, by the way. Amazon have UK rights to 38 ATP tournaments next year.

7pm: Here we go then. Chris McKendry of ESPN is running the show I believe and I would suggest that this is not going to be a quick evening with the draw in the next minute or two…

Sit tight. I’ll get you the draw as soon as I have it.

6.45pm: I’m sure you’ve all learned the latest world rankings by now – it is Thursday so you’ve had a couple of days – but for the uninitiated, here’s a reminder of the seedings for the men’s and women’s draw.

Men’s

1. Rafael Nadal, 2. Roger Federer, 3. Juan Martin del Potro, 4. Alexander Zverev, 5. Kevin Anderson, 6. Novak Djokovic, 7. Marin Cilic, 8. Grigor Dimitrov.

Women’s

1. Simona Halep, 2. Caroline Wozniacki, 3. Sloane Stephens, 4. Angelique Kerber, 5. Petra Kvitova, 6. Caroline Garcia, 7. Elina Svitolina, 8. Karolina Pliskova.

6.30pm: Here it is. At the end of a remarkable summer of tennis, the US Open is about to present its opening arguments.

Which half will Novak Djokovic end up in? Will Andy Murray be drawn against one of the big boys in the early stages? Will Serena Williams be afforded the same sort of kindness as she was at Wimbledon?

We will have answers to all these questions – in a bit. The draw ceremony will start at 7pm and I will be right here with you throughout.

Excited? Then cool it for 20 minutes or so, then start heating it up at around 10 to the hour.